I have recently experienced brake chatter in what I believe is the port side brake when decelerating from landing speed. There is no chatter when taxing at low to moderate taxi speeds. When I have cleaned and lubricated the guide pins and the holes that they protrude through, the brake chatter goes away but only for about 6 months or so. It starts out a mild chatter but become progressively worse. It has been suggested that the guide pins and the pressure plate with the guide holes be replace with new Cleveland parts. Are there any thoughts on this?

 

Miller – 45P
ICS 07941

Miller,

 

By "chatter" do you mean there is an actual rattling / vibrating / banging sort of sound? Not just brake squealing? Are you certain this is coming from the brake and not some other component of the landing gear? I suppose if the sound comes and goes as you apply / release the brakes you could argue that it is from the brake but perhaps it could be from a part of the landing gear that vibrates / resonates when under a load due to braking? You also say that the problem is temporarily resolved for a few months if you lube the pins so that would seem to indicate the brakes, I am just trying to think of other possibilities...

- Charles

Heritage Aero and I chased brake gremlins on my twin for several months... In talking with others, these are difficult. One very important adjustment is that the mounting fasteners for the brakes must not be over torqued. I think the spec is ~ 45 IN pounds.. The Cleveland literature has it, I can't find it this a.m.

 

All the best!

Jim

Charles,

 

Yes, there is some vibration in sync with the chatter noise. I know that it is not the shimmy damper on the nose as that was replaced. The chatter/vivration starts when braking at landing speed an remains all the way down to stopping. However, the is no problem when braking at taxi speeds. Thanks for you reply.

Miller

Jim,

 

Thanks for the torque information. I doubt that I over torqued with a 1/4 in. drive but I will check it next time.

Miller

 

Hi Miller,

 

I've seen this before, caused by worn caliper guide pins and And worn holes in the torque plate. If yours is an early model with the retraction spring set up in the caliper, too much free play in the bushings may worsen the situation.

Clarence

Question from Charles

 

1.What happens if when you land, you brake hard (and get the chatter) but then when down to say 20 mph you release the brakes for a moment, let it roll and then brake again.

I flew yesterday. After landing I braked to make the turn-off. There was a mild chatter and vibration down to the point that I released the brakes and started the turn-off roll. It did not reappear again during taxi.

2.Does the chatter immediately return or does it go away once you let off and reapply the brakes?

If the plane is still moving at good speed it reappears.

3.Also when you land and brake does the chatter begin immediately or is there a delay in when it begins?

There does seem to be a slight delay if ever so briefly.

4.Is it possible your rotors are warped? Do you feel thumping in the pedals?

There is no thumping in the pedals.

Thanks for your input. I also think that it may be induced by a resonate frequency and once it gets going it the only way to stop it is releasing the brakes at low speed.

Miller

Clarence,

 

I think that I will go ahead and replace the guide pins and the pressure plate with new parts. I have called Aircraft Spruce for availability of these parts. They have not yet responded with price and delivery.

I tried the Cleveland internet site but couldn't find a path to order parts. It seems that they will not take orders and leave it to you to order through a retail business.

Miller

Miller,

 

From your answers to the questions it does seems like something is loose and causing resonant vibration. Clarence's post seems to match up with the theory of too much play (in the guide pins). Sounds like following Clarence's advice of replacing the pins is the way to go...

- Charles

Miller,

 

What model and serial number do you own? I may have torque plates in my shop.

Clarence

Miller,

 

What model and serial number do you own? I may have torque plates in my shop.

Clarence

Clarence,

 

I Have a 260 C. I ordered and received a new pressure plate from Aircraft Spruce. The guide pins are not available according to them. I plan to install the new plate in a couple of weeks. I let the forum know what the results are.

Thanks for the information regarding the availability of parts from your shop.

Miller

Miller ,
I just fixed both of my brakes for the same reason and they are now smooth as glass . The guide pins ARE available from Parker Hanifin/Cleveland Wheels and Brakes . The parts book calls them "anchor Bolt" P/N 069-00200 . The bushings in the backing plate can be replaced at a really good machine shop . I got my anchor bolts from Aero Parts at Dallas Executive Airport . Talk to Gary . Ph 214-337-3328 .

 

Marty

Marty,

Thanks for the info regarding the guide pins. I may need them. The annual starts next week.

Miller