----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any
advice in this forum.]----
Bob,
Two things to look for and I'm assuming you have the original brake
system.
First item would be the brake pucks are worn. There are four pucks
to replace, two are easy to swap out and two require some brake disassembly.
Some folks just replace the easy ones and hope for the best, my advice is to
replace all pucks. You may find parts availability a challenge.
Second item to check is the brake master cylinder. The O-ring could
be worn out. Another problem with these cylinders is internal wear and
corrosion to where changing the O-ring is moot. Again parts availability
can be a problem.
When my 'coupe had the original system, and when the brake system
was rebuilt, I could hold the aircraft at 1900 to 2000 rpm on the ground.
Enough to conduct engine checks but any more power added the aircraft would
creep. Otherwise brake performance during ground operations was fair.
There are two STC's available to swap to the Cleveland brake and
change the master cylinder to a more modern type. I recommend both because
of the increased braking efficiency with this system and parts availability
too. My 'coupe has these STC's, all I can say about increased brake
performance is Wow!
Here are some sources for parts:
http://skyportservices.net/
http://www.univairparts.com/
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/
Then there is Vern Gregory who is parting out Ercoupes. He can be reached
at 803-796-2605 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hope this helps, keep in touch with what you find.
Walt Uebele
N94113
-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Stearns [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 3:58 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [COUPERS-TECH] Brakes - or Rather Lack Thereof
----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any
advice in this forum.]----
I just purchased a recently restored Ercoupe (sn 3879). Flying is fun,
but ground handling is not. The brakes are (I believe) Goodyears and
cannot hold the plane in place over about 1,400 RPM. When landing they
seem to be ineffective until slowed to fast taxi speed. During taxi its
like driving on ice as you have to plan well ahead in order to stop
anywhere near where you want.
I'm still getting the kinks out, and there is an adequate grass area
beside the 5,000 ft runway. So landing and getting stopped is not yet a
problem. I'm nearly 70, but can lift with all but the strongest
ladies. Am I really too weak to pull that handbrake?
Is this normal behavior for these brakes? Should I just go ahead and
buy Cleveland's and get on with it?
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