1963 "Thump"

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 "Thump"

The hardware package I got with my Matrix Ceramic linings had 3 R.H. thread star wheel adjusters and only one with L.H. thread. When I returned the extra R.H. thread piece, they sent me one with more coarse teeth in the star wheel. So you see, getting the right adjusters can be a problem in itself, as well as the correct installation, i.e. coarse teeth vs. fine, L.H. thread vs. R.H. thread. Also, some are of different lengths when threaded full in, but the difference is not great enough to not allow engagement with the auto adjustment lever.

Stu Fox

[Joel T.]

Re: 1963 "Thump"

Do you have the star wheel adjuster in backwards?

Gene;

I believe they are in correctly.... When I did the brake job this past winter I bought all new components from LI Corvette, including the adjusters. When I got them, they were marked "L" and "R" which I finally figured out (assuming I am correct here) referred to the threading, not the side they belong on. Right now, the "L" parts are on the right side of the car and the "R" parts on the left side. The way they are set up, the adjuster elongates based upon the downward motion of that lever which rests on top of the star wheel... Further the adjuster is installed so that the short end, with the star wheel, is forward....

I assume this is correct????

[Joel T.]

Re: 1963 "Thump"

One more LONG shot: Check the pads on the backing plates that the shoes sit on. They do wear and get grooved. It may be possible for a shoe to get hung in a groove? Never had it happen...

Hi Bill,

I checked that a while ago.... they have some grooving which is normal, but not enough to make the shoe stick... All rub points have been greased as well...

Joel

[Joel T.]

Re: 1963 "Thump"

The hardware package I got with my Matrix Ceramic linings had 3 R.H. thread star wheel adjusters and only one with L.H. thread. When I returned the extra R.H. thread piece, they sent me one with more coarse teeth in the star wheel. So you see, getting the right adjusters can be a problem in itself, as well as the correct installation, i.e. coarse teeth vs. fine, L.H. thread vs. R.H. thread. Also, some are of different lengths when threaded full in, but the difference is not great enough to not allow engagement with the auto adjustment lever.

Stu Fox

Hi Stu;

The new adjusters came from LI Corvette and were identical to the ones previously in there, including the star wheel teeth (tooth?) size. Before I install them, I take them a part and grease the threads as well as the front end where the parts rotate.

What is interesting, and someone else asked the question, is whether or not I installed all this stuff properly. What I can tell you is that I can try to "adjust" the brakes by backing up and stopping but I have never been able to get the pedal to come up. I've always had to remove the wheels and manually adjust.

Joel

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 "Thump"

Joel;

I guess I had a similar experience with the adjusters in that if you were to depend on them to make your initial adjustment you'd wait for a long time. I did an intial "conservative" manual adjustment trying more to make them equal, then I went out on the road and I acted like I was crazy - backing up and stopping time after time. That just wouldn't do it, so I went back and did them the old fashion manual way adjusting them up for a fair amount of equal drag. Then the pedal came up and I have just ignored the auto adjusters ever since. I have pulled the wheels and drums off once to check their condition at about 500 miles of breakin and they seem to have seated in very well.

Stu Fox

[Michael M.]

Re: 1963 "Thump"

With regard to the pull when applying the brakes. I had a similar issue on my 68 and went through the whole brake system with no luck in solving the problem. I finally solved it when I replaced the front wheel bearings and determined that one of the front left bearing races was spinning in the hub. I replaced hub and bearings and the problem went away, the car brakes straight now. Just one more area you can check into. Good luck.

[Gene A.]

Re: 1963 "Thump"

I have a similar noise in mine also. It seems to pull a little when I back up and when I hear the pop noise the pull seems to quit. my bet is something with the shoes. Have you looked at the spring and the pads in the spring?