rootboy 

Probably yet another insignificant and un-answer-able question. Very generous Dbakl was kind enough to send me a set of OEM Universal brake shoes, with good pads, gratis. Thanks again Dbakl. I looked at the rubber and thought, hmmm, I might just try de-glazing the pads on the old belt sander and give these a whirl, even though I know they're probably too old and hard to function well.

And then I stopped myself. What do you suppose those funky "fibers" are that they put in those pads? Seeing as how these are from the 60's, do you suppose it could be the dreaded Asbestos like they used to use in automotive brake pads? If so, not sure I want to go to the belt sander with these. Anybody know? Likely not....

ColonelJLloyd 

I don't know, but it'd make sense to me that's what it is.

I'm sure you've used the Kool Stop inserts before. Will the MAFAC ones fit those? They're great and I like the Mathauser compound because the black blends in so well.


Untitled by ColonelJLloyd, on Flickr

rootboy 

Maybe so, Colonel. I even have a set of NOS MAFAC pads with which I can do some measurements of the dovetail and length, etc.
And I contemplated trying to replace the pads with Kool stops but the wall thickness of the aluminum they used looks to be quite a bit thinner than other shoes of this type so I was kind of worried I might destroy the holders if I messed with them. Still brainstorming though...

ColonelJLloyd 

Would Campy holders work?

auchencrow

Some bicycle brake pads are still being manufactured today with asbestos:

https://www.tmart.com/Black-Squeal-fr...t_p100748.html

https://www.dhgate.com/product/bicycl...138044171.html

Also, the use of asbestos in things like automotive brakes and clutches has not been entirely eliminated. Check out this admonition to auto service workers from OSHA:

https://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib072606.html

zandoval 

Yep Rootboy - Ya got it - But then what really is the risk - I would avoid the fibers if I could but considering all the junk I have inhaled over the years what is additional the risk - The old rule is if the fibers are small or invisible LOOK OUT - But then again a solid rock of asbestos probably poses no risk until you mess with it...

I would keep those old pads for when my bikes on display as a restoration - But for my Franken Bikes its any old or new pads will do...

V/S

Drillium Dude 

Hmmm - never thought of this, but you can be sure I'll be looking closely at the brake pads of any vintage rig I happen to follow in future. Might give me the impetus needed to get 'round them, too

DD

rootboy 

Cripes-a-mighty Auchen! I had no idea they were still allowing that stuff to be used in things like bike brake shoes. I suspected it may still be used in auto brakes but still.

Yeah, it's not like I can't wear my half mask respirator if I decided to sand these but you're probably right, Zandoval. I got these mostly to complete the Super 68's that came with Shimano pads on them so will probably just use the Campy brakes on there now, with Koolstop pads.

That said, even with precautions I don't think I want to go sanding on anything with asbestos in it. I mean, I've inhaled my fair share of s**t through the years too, but I'm becoming more cautious as I grow older.

rootboy 

Probably! You got any laying around you don't want?

ColonelJLloyd 

No. I don't use that crap.

old's'cool

Anyone else see something wrong with this picture, or is the Colonel just messing with us?

On a more serious note, it looks to me like the Kool Stop Continental shoes will bolt right in, in place of the OP's pictured shoes.

Matariki

Interesting. My profession has involved work with asbestos hazard control for decades and I have never given a thought about bike brakes having asbestos. I would say that bike brakes do not require anywhere near the thermal performance of automotive friction products and so do not require asbestos. Fibers in bike brake pads would do nothing but add some stability to the rubber - cotton would work just as well.

Anyway, I think I have some of these type of pads so I will dig out some fibers and put them under the scope. To answer your question about health risk: It's unlikely that you will generate enough fibers sanding 2 pads to affect you; however you will likely inhale some fibers. You can reduce the generation of fibers very easily by sanding by hand instead of by machine. Wet sanding will reduce the hazard even further.

I deal with hazardous materials every day on the job; yet consider my commute by bike the most dangerous thing I do.

ColonelJLloyd 

Do tell.

Pars 

Yeah, the Continentals would work. You all probably get sick of me hawking these Kool Stop Cross pads, but I like them a lot!



Still using these on my Campy NR brakes, and still quiet, and work better than KS pads (salmon or black) in the Campy holders. Adjustable toe in as well (which I don't think the Continentals will do).

Pars 

I don't see anything... pads are oriented correctly.

pastorbobnlnh 

One red and one black plastic bushing on the caliper?

Drop bolt on a center pull?

Egg beater pedals?

Michael Angelo 

Mathauser inserts would fit . You need "M" ones.

iab

Crap. I thought this thread was going to be about adultery.

As for asbestos exposure from your brake pads that may or may not have fibers. I'd say you are more likely to have an adverse reaction with lightning on a sunny day.

old's'cool

Whoops, I don't know how I saw that as a front brake picture... I guess I better get my eyes checked again!

rootboy 

Yeah. Probably much ado about nothing. Not that I'm all that worried. While I haven't looked at those fibers under magnification, it almost looks like common ...uh ...string, for lack of a better word. Maybe I'll pluck a few off and run them to the lab.
Or, wait for Matariki's analysis.

rootboy 

You mean Kool Stops, MA? Haven't seen Matthausers in a long time. Though I do have some old ones in the dungeon. But I think they're Campy ones.

ColonelJLloyd 

He probably means the Kool Stop Mathauser compound pads available for Campy or MAFAC holders.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Mathauser-...-/380311013409

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-MAFAC-Repl...-/261203302743

repechage

And the pastor even bypassed the scarlet letter reference.

Could be Asbestos, could be coconut fibres. I would not use them just for shear age. Universal brakes were not terrific when new either. A number of guys hot rodded theirs with Campagnolo holders and pads, and they worked much better.

iab

I'd agree about the older pads. Rubber keeps on vulcanizing, getting harder. UVs will also harden and deteriorate the rubber. Makes for poor stopping. Also will cause undo wear to your rims. I'm not that obsessive with period correct. Same with tires - old rubber makes me nervous. All of a sudden and BAM, it breaks and the tramp is pregnant (see, I brought it back to adultery )

aixaix 

It isn't asbestos.

This is a Universal pad which has the same fibers sticking out. I brushed the line of fuzz at the open end of the holder with flame from a little torch. It immediately singed, smelling like cotton burning. If it were asbestos, nothing would have happened.

I sincerely doubt bicycle rim brake pads contain any asbestos at all. They never get hot enough to need asbestos' remarkable qualities, and the pad manufacturers know that.