English French German Italian Spanish

'54 Dominator brake shoes

Submitted by john_shorter on Thu, 17/10/2013
Forums
Heavy Twins

I have contacted several "so called" classic spares providers, so far, none has been able to answer this question. The '54 Dominator was the first fitted with an 8" front brake, however, the following year full width hubs were introduced, front & rear. Are the brake shoes (8" front & 7" rear) the same as fitted in '54?

Does any one know who can supply the correct items? Living in Spain, I know of no one locally who can reline the old shoes. I do not want the bike off the road whilst they are returned to the UK (it might "wet sump" while I am waiting!).

Submitted by jim_royce on Thu, 17/10/2013

Permalink

Hi John,

The 8" half width hub was used on all models except Manx in 54. For 1955 a full width hub constructed half cast iron (?)and half aluminium but this was onlyused onthe Model 88. For 56 the full width hub was on all models except International & Manxand the same for 57.

From memory the front shoes are marked 16773 and as far as I am aware were the same on the full width hub.

With the rear shoes I was told that there were two types but they fit the same and the later ones are the better choice because the earlier used a different to standard lining which isn't available.

Quite a few specialists will have relined shoes in stock so rather than sending off and waiting with the bike in bits you can fit the new and then send the old off if you want to.

Jim

Submitted by john_shorter on Thu, 17/10/2013

Permalink

Previously jim_royce wrote:

Hi John,

The 8" half width hub was used on all models except Manx in 54. For 1955 a full width hub constructed half cast iron (?)and half aluminium but this was onlyused onthe Model 88. For 56 the full width hub was on all models except International & Manxand the same for 57.

From memory the front shoes are marked 16773 and as far as I am aware were the same on the full width hub.

With the rear shoes I was told that there were two types but they fit the same and the later ones are the better choice because the earlier used a different to standard lining which isn't available.

Quite a few specialists will have relined shoes in stock so rather than sending off and waiting with the bike in bits you can fit the new and then send the old off if you want to.

Jim

Many thanks, Jim, for the speedy reply. Ithought the later, full width, hub used the same shoes, but did not want to waste time, and money, buying something that would not fit. On reflection, AMC probably had boxes of '54 shoes in stock, and would not want to waste them. Obviously the specialists I have contacted, so far, were the wrong ones! John.

Submitted by jim_royce on Thu, 17/10/2013

Permalink

Hi John,

The early type full width hub used the same backplate as the half width. It is also worth noting that sometimes the wrong thickness lining is put on. It should be 3/16th but I've had shoes redone and the idiots have put 1/8th linings on.

Jim

Submitted by john_shorter on Thu, 17/10/2013

Permalink

Thanks again Jim,

I have seen shoes advertised (7" rear & 8" front) as "Suitable for Dominators & early Commandos". I assume these are for bikes before the TLS fron brake was fitted. Were there any differences to those made in the mid 50's?.

Regards, John.

Submitted by jim_royce on Thu, 17/10/2013

Permalink

Hi John,

From what I was told by a chap who did relining the rear shoes were backwards compatible. He told me that the type used on early Commando's would fit as they were basically the same but with an alteration that allowed a normal lining. The earlier type that stretch back pre war (so I've been told) have a lining that is designed to fit a recess at each end (If your shoes are original you'll see what I mean).

Front shoes...I can't say how many versions there are so it may be worth finding some that need relining and check them against those you have fitted or vice versa to ensure they are right.

Original shoes almost always have a casting number and if you go by this I doubt you'll go wrong. I see the 8" (16773 from memory)shoes quite often at shows so they weren't a short lived part.

Jim

Submitted by john_shorter on Thu, 17/10/2013

Permalink

O.K. Jim, I will strip thr brakes, and look for numbers. There are no grinding noises, so the present linings are not completely worn out, but I have run out of adjustment.

John.

Submitted by john_shorter on Mon, 04/11/2013

Permalink

Thanks for the replies. When I stripped the front brake, I found the linings were not badly worn at all. My problem was caused by letting a, very well known, tyre dealer fit a new front tyre. The, so called, fitter had refitted the brake lever the wrong way round. Once corrected, I found there was plenty of adjustment left. Had I noticed this I need not have stripped the brake at all, but, at least I know I will not need new linings.

 


Norton Owners Club Website by 2Toucans