Shaft Brake Ideas

[mikesharp]

No, not another argument about whether to or not!
I need to fit one (hydraulic gearbox that can't lock in gear and a deep seal seal that is water lubricated from the engine cooling system) but can't find where to get one or whether there is a choice available. Also interested in the idea of using a converted cycle disc brake.
Any ideas/information gratefully received.
Mike

 

[chippie]

I once read of an intrepid cruiser who used to tie a length of line to his shaft to stop it spinning .The advantage being that if he forgot to untie it it would break when power was engaged. Hardly a 'proper' solution though.

 

[longjohnsilver]

I do exactly that but using fishing line. It works a treat, is cheap and easy to replace if left in place.

 

[gus]

It will probably be like most other ideas in being something you have to think out for yourself and make it yourself. Having thoughts myself about fitting a shaft brake and recon that the disc with a caliper is probably the best solution.

With regard to your shaft seal. Any comments about it as I am contemplating fitting one.

 

[Strathglass]

I once owned a pre war Fiat 500 (topalini) the handbrake operated directly on the propshaft. There was two semicircular brake shoes. Also there was however a warning about stripping the pinion in the diff if the handbrake was used while on the move.

 

[steve_cronin]

We have a Go Kart in our garage....

with a small disc brake, cable operated which looks as if it might be adaptable for your purpose. Sorry can't have ours (would cause rebellion!) but look at http://www.karting.co.uk/Companies/Companies.asp

for possible suppliers.

I seem to remember though thatgb there used to be a shaft brake made by some small company. It consisted of two semi-circular blocks and had a cranked chromed handle (with black plastic handle?) which you wound up to brake the shaft. Have you tried a search on one of the magazine websites?

Steve Cronin

 

[gus]

You can still get the same set up on the suzuki SJ410 jeep. The fitting of a drum brake would be too complex though, compare to fitting a disc brake.

 

[oldjohnnyb]

The "Boat Owners Mechanical and Electrical Manual" !st Edition by Nigel Calder includes a shaft break which looks good.
It comprises a disc mounted on the shaft with a notch on the edge. A plunger engages with the notch to stop the shaft and a flexible cable controls the plunger from the cockpit. The clever bit happens if you forget to disengage the brake when you start and engage the engine. The V- notch pushes out the plunger disengaging the brake.
Does anybody have experience of this type of brake? Are they available on the open market? The one in the book is American. Are drawings available to get one fabricated?

 

[Guest]

Don't HALYARD marine [the exhaust people] do one - they certainly used to do one

 

[vyv_cox]

My mountain bike has hydraulically operated disc brakes, probably rather over the top for this application. There are now several cable operated designs available for retrofit and the cost is very reasonable in boating terms. The advantage for us is that most bike parts nowadays are in corrosion resistant materials. Look at http://hayesdiscbrake.com/ for example.