C1 - Brake drum springs

[Jim K.]

I checked the archives and didn't find anything, so here goes...
The Mrs. bought me some new brake drums for the 61' for Christmas from one of our popular vendors, but there were two styles to choose from and she chose the first one listed without the "anti-chatter" spring groove or spring. I have not installed them yet and can probably return with minimal loss.
Can someone tell me physically what that spring really does and or what it's supposed to do? Can I live without it on the replacement drums? The groved springed drums are 2x the price of the non springed drums and if it really doesn't matter, saves me 2 Ben Franklins. Let me know what you think.
Thanks!!!
Jim

[Dave Suesz]

Re: C1 - Brake drum springs

It's supposed to reduce humming, singing, or chatter of the drum while braking. I still have the originals on my 55, I have to think the "General" would not have spent the few buck each on millions of drums for no reason. I do know if I am cutting a drum, and I forget to put the great big rubber band on it, it will immediately start going "hing-hing-hing" when I cut.

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 - Brake drum springs

You can live with out them OK, save money buy gas and go for a drive.

[Jim K.]

Re: C1 - Brake drum springs

Thanks Roy (and Dave) Actually Roy, I do drive the car quite often, close to 10,000 miles in 2005 that's what I'm worried about. Just thinking about the characteristics of a spring around a drum doesn't make sense but I'm sure it did something. I'll have to give it some further thought. Thanks for the input!!!
Jim