BRAKE DISKS

[170C]

My disks are worn to .182" thickness & Cleveland data shows minimum thickness to be .20". Guess it is time to replace them. Looks like I need two part # 164-02601's. What are the pro's vs con's of Rapco disks vs Clevelands? Appears to be approx. $30 per disk difference in cost. Also, I am assuming my wheels are Clevelands, but don't see a part number on them. It could be that the paint is obscuring any part numbers. Where would a part number likely be found on a wheel? Have ck'd Spruce, Cheif, Desser, Aero Parts & Preferred. Are there other sources that may be more competitive? It's annual time!

[hilltop170]

Pokey- Cleveland put a foil sticker with the part numbers on it on the inside of the rim on the wheel halves. They get destroyed easily or painted over. You should be able to see it if it's there.

I would always go with Cleveland and spend the extra $$$. Good brakes and tires are good insurance.

I just replaced my disks this summer. They were more rusted than worn but pitted bad enough to replace. I replaced them with chrome disks made by Cleveland. A friend replaced his with chrome more than 10 years ago and they still look like new and show no wear. I can't help think the extra money for chrome disks now will pay itself back down the road not to mention they always look good.

Once the new pads were conditioned on my brakes I think the chrome disks stop better than the bare steel although I didn't do any real testing. I was judging by how well I can turn the plane around in a stiff wind. Weak brakes just won't do it.

I thought about double puck brakes but think they would be too strong. The 170 is light enough in the tail that nose-overs would be more of a concern especially on soft ground. Plus it looked like they would not fit well with the wheel pants.

[170C]

Richard, thanks for your suggestion. My disks were chrome when I got them from Bobby Osborne many years ago, but time and use have long since worn off the chrome. Now they are worn to the point I could have brake puck problems or cracking if I continue their use.

Come up to Joe & my hangar row the next time you are in town. Would enjoy visiting with you again.

Frank
N6888A
12 South, Hangar B

[Dave Clark]

Perhaps you could look at the paperwork to see what was installed then try to verify it looking at the parts with a mechanic if necessary. Once you figure it out you can contact Cleveland (Parker Hannifin), fax them what you have, and they'll send you a new set of labels no charge. Also includes the torque value label which is good to have in plain sight. The type of disc determines the type of pad to use.

[hilltop170]

Frank-
I've gone by your hangar row every time I've been at Grand Prairie in the past several months, just never caught you yet. I'll keep trying. I'm down in Fredericksburg now but will be up that way next week or so, got to go back to Alaska for a couple of weeks and pay the bills. Actually it's to fly the 170 and continue the engine break-in. It's got 9 hours on it so far and everything is going great. I haven't seen Bobby Osbourne in years, 1996 when I bought an engine from him.

[170C]

Anyone have any pro's or con's regarding AVPRO Black Disks? Supposedly superior to Cleveland's (mfg's claim). Leaning toward trying them, but thought I would do one more check with all you guys & gals.

[GAHorn]

Just to provide a little "heads up"... some folk's airplanes may have been converted with salvage-yard parts. If so, it's possible to actually not have "Clevelands" at all. McCauley made wheels and brakes for Cessna for many years. While they look/feel/work like Clevelands, they do not share the same parts interchangeability.
If your airplane was properly converted, either via a Cleveland or a Cessna conversion kit, it probably has STC paperwork in it's records. The STC paperwork included installation instructions and a part number listing of all items used.
A salvage-yard conversion probably does not have such details noted, and may not meet the rule for approval basis. FYI.

[170C]

After listening to a very convincing lady at A.E.R.O. (yes I am easily convinced by the ladies--aren't all of us guys ) I decided to take the plunge and be the Guinea Pig. I bought two "Black Steel" brake disks from the above supplier. Supposedly they are superior to Clevelands (aren't all products superior to their competitors ). They say they give something like 30% more stopping power and last longer. They are made of forged steel (if I remember correctly) and thus are a one piece unit vs having the disk itself welded onto the portion that bolts to the wheel. They sell for $68.75 each and look really good. I will try to remember to put in a follow up post after I have used them for a while and let you know what my experience is with them. (Now if I could just get that d--- oil leak stopped )

[aileron170b]

Just wondering if anyone has an update on the A.E.R.O. "black steel" brake discs referenced in this thread from 2007?? We currently have Cleveland brakes and need to replace rotors and brake pads. Any suggestions or advice on either?? Thanks much.

Michelle

[170C]

I have had those Black Steel Disks on since my earlier (2007) post and I am still very satisfied with them. I would recommend them over chrome.

[lowNslow]

I like the Rapco disc myself. They are forged rather than welded (like the Clevelands), they do not rust nearly as bad as the Clevelands and as you say they are cheaper. I have had no problems with the Rapcos.