A
Anonymous
Guest
Sooner or later, we'll have to put some words about the new Grove STC brakes here in Modifications. Let me start it by saying that it is already covered in the general chat area. Mine are the very first set delivered under the STC - I failed in an attempt for a field approval last year.
Performance to me is exactly the same as a brand-new Hayes brake. But to my friends, they are a dramatic improvement, because the pedals are hard and require very little movement. My big deal is maintenance, and these brakes are light years away from our problems with old expander tubes and worn out brake blocks. And no more of those little pieces getting loose and gouging the drums!
They are approved for whatever fluid was originally used in your aircraft, which for most of us was automotive. Dot 5 is a silicone fluid that costs an arm and a leg, but it is non-hygroscopic, and won't eat paint. I wouldn't want to fight with the FAA on choice of fluids, but they certainly can't insist on that horrible red stuff, since it ate some of our older parts!
Installation is a breeze, except for two things: you must remove the drum brakes and rivet the discs - with steel rivets! And the copper line is hard; you will need a tubing bender. (and a flare tool - automotive is fine). Use care when threading the hydraulic fittings - best done with everything loose.
This is just the ticket for those of us who like to fly, yet love the look of the 8:00x4s. bob turner
Performance to me is exactly the same as a brand-new Hayes brake. But to my friends, they are a dramatic improvement, because the pedals are hard and require very little movement. My big deal is maintenance, and these brakes are light years away from our problems with old expander tubes and worn out brake blocks. And no more of those little pieces getting loose and gouging the drums!
They are approved for whatever fluid was originally used in your aircraft, which for most of us was automotive. Dot 5 is a silicone fluid that costs an arm and a leg, but it is non-hygroscopic, and won't eat paint. I wouldn't want to fight with the FAA on choice of fluids, but they certainly can't insist on that horrible red stuff, since it ate some of our older parts!
Installation is a breeze, except for two things: you must remove the drum brakes and rivet the discs - with steel rivets! And the copper line is hard; you will need a tubing bender. (and a flare tool - automotive is fine). Use care when threading the hydraulic fittings - best done with everything loose.
This is just the ticket for those of us who like to fly, yet love the look of the 8:00x4s. bob turner
