Hi Len,
Of course brake balance is only really critical at the point nearing lockup. As
in
spirited driving or emergencies.
In my experience, if the rear locks first, the back end will almost certainly
move out of
line to a greater or hopefully lesser extent. Once the back loses traction,
it's not
likely to come into line by just releasing the brake.
On the other hand, if the front locks, you of course have no steering control -
But - as
soon as the brakes are released steering control is recovered.
The key is RECOVERY of steering control as soon as the brakes are released.
There is still
time to reapply braking if you are quick.
Regards,
Dave Russell
BN2
Len and/or Marge wrote:
> Except for Magnus's, the responses discussing wheel lockup do not say if they
>are
> talking about normal driving situations, heavy braking situations, or panic
>stops. I
> am going to assume they are NOT talking about normal driving conditions.
>
> New cars come with ABS. ABS is supposed to prevent brakes from locking up.
>ABS was
> developed to allow the the wheels to keep turning so that one could possibly
>steer out
> of the way even in a panic application of brakes. Now I hear that if only
>the rear
> brakes lock, you loose control of the car completely. I can see where this
>might
> prevent the rear wheels from tracking behind the front wheels. However, I
>believe that
> if you lock the front brakes, you are also along for the ride without any
>possibility
> of controlling the direction that the car is taking. This would include the
>ability to
> rotate the car and hit an obstruction with the side or rear of the car rather
>than have
> the engine and steering wheel pushed into your lap and/or chest. I realize
>that panic
> situations are measured in seconds or milliseconds but with just enough time
>to react,
> I think I would do everything possible to avoid a front end collision
>including keeping
> my foot OFF the brake pedal altogether. I understand that in a panic
>situation, all
> prior mental training can go out the window and we will most likely stand on
>the brakes
> in an attempt to stop before the impact. I would still like to have the
>option.
>
> The Other) Len Vacaville, CA 1967 3000 MKIII HBJ8L39031
>
>
>
>> [Original Message] From: Magnus Karlsson <magnuskarlsson@bornet.net> To:
>Dave & M
>> <rusd@velocitus.net> Cc: Healey Lista <healeys@autox.team.net> Date:
>1/6/2007 8:04:27
>> AM Subject: Re: BN2 Wheel Cylinders
>>
>> ...The rear brakes will lock first, which not only makes it harder to
>maintain
>> control but can prove to be lethal. In a panic situation it is very
>dangerous if the
>> rear brakes lock before the front, you can loose control of the car
>completely...
>>
>> Magnus Karlsson Sweden
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