Sure, Chrysler Tried 4-Wheel Disc Brakes In 1949 (However They Weren’t What You Assume)

Within the early days of the auto, there weren’t actually prescribed methods of doing issues the way in which there at the moment are. Auto producers regularly experimented with quite a lot of new applied sciences to achieve a aggressive benefit, both for the street going buyer, or the race observe. In 1949 Chrysler debuted a novel methodology of slowing down its massive stately machines, a brand new type of disc brakes. Now de rigueur, disc brakes had been comparatively new tech in 1949, having debuted on plane throughout World Conflict 2. Crosley, considerably poorly, tailored airplane brakes for the tiny HotShot sports activities automobile, however they weren’t prepared for the pains of automotive use and the plan was scrapped nearly as shortly because it started. Chrysler, in the meantime, took a distinct tack with its braking systemcreating a brand new model of brake pads that look extra akin to a clutch disc, expanded between two spinning iron friction surfaces. That is fully totally different and distinct from Porsche’s distinctive annular disc brakesas properly.

Lambert Brake Firm

The system Chrysler employed was developed by Automotive Specialties Manufacturing Firm (AUSCO) beneath patents filed by engineer Homer L. Lambert, and first examined by the corporate way back to 1939. Thought-about a self-energizing system, in that it employed a few of the braking vitality to extend braking effort, this Ausco-Lambert setup made for higher braking within the massive Chryslers with minimal effort expended by the motive force. This technique additionally allowed for a discount in brake fade, cooler working temperatures, and employed a a lot bigger friction floor when in comparison with Chrysler’s then-standard twelve-inch drum brakes. Finally, whereas the brakes offered considerably higher braking energy and may very well be counted on for repeat use, they had been considerably costlier than drums or caliper-and-disc model brakes, whereas being grabby and overly delicate.

The Ausco-Lambert system would not work something just like the disc brakes on your loved ones crossover. As a substitute of a pair of friction brake pads clamping on a spinning metallic disc brake floor, Lambert employed what he known as a “double disc,” which sandwiched a brake pad plate between a metallic friction floor casing that spun with the movement of the wheels. and an axle-mounted spinning metallic floor. From the skin the system appears so much like a very finned drum brake, however it’s what’s inside that counts. When the motive force utilized the brakes a pair of wheel cylinders in every nook pushed a cut up friction disc aside to make contact with the insides of the spinning housing. Every friction disc employed six metal ball bearings inside, using in a ramp that helped push the jammed disc aside. Sturdy metallic springs helped return the friction floor collectively when the motive force let off the brake pedal.

The so-called double disc braking system was solely out there from Chrysler as customary on the prolonged Crown Imperial limousine by means of 1954, and on the one-year-only 700-unit restricted manufacturing 1950 City and Nation Newport. The system was made non-compulsory on different Chrysler machines, however at an exorbitant $400 price ticket, or round $5,400 in 2026 {dollars} when adjusted for inflation. It is secure to say only a few clients took them up on the provide.

It will nonetheless be a couple of years earlier than Jaguar and Dunlop lastly perfected the disc brake to be used in cars, famously utilizing a prototype system to win the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans with Tony Ralt and Duncan Hamilton sharing driving duties of the #18 C-type. The remaining, as they are saying, is historical past.