Rear Brake Shoes

[j.fernie]

I have just bought a set of rear brake shoes for a Mk 3 Cortina, but they are too large. My car has a 2L engine, but may have been built onto a 1600 donor. The drums are 8 inch diameter., but the new shoes look as if they should fit 9 or even 10 inch drums.
Does anyone know if there is a difference in the rear brakes between the different models?

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Rear Brake Shoes

Message originally posted by: Sue Roedel (MOC Editor)
Hi Jim

I can confidently tell you that the 1600 axle should be 8" as I recently had my diff oil seal changed and the axle is a 1600 with 8" brakes. Anything larger would be a 2.00 or more.

Can someone confirm that I am correct?

[Dane_Rescueman]

Re: Rear Brake Shoes

Spot on Sue. I had the same problem a few years ago when I changed my 1600 axle for the more beefy 2 litre one. I had to change the brake backplates, Hyd cylinders,drums and shoes too.

[j.fernie]

Re: Rear Brake Shoes

Thanks for the info.
I had a sneak at Haynes after posting the question and he confirms the different drum sizes. I must have a 1600 donor with a 2L engine upgrade.
The new shoes are on order and I should be back on the road after the weekend. What's the weather forecast like though?

[danny_nelson]

Re: Rear Brake Shoes

When cortina based Berlinettas were being built it soon become known that the ratio of the 1600 axle was the one to use with 2000 cc engine 4 speed gearbox and 15 inch wheels. When we started to use the type9 5 speed gearbox we found that the ratio of the 2000cc axle suited better.

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Rear Brake Shoes

Message originally posted by: Sue Roedel (MOC Editor)
Weather is not good but who cares! We're British!

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Rear Brake Shoes

Message originally posted by: Anita
Why is the Wx always bad where you are Sue?