A Ford Falcon Owner's Guide to Replacing 1960-1970 Brake Drums
Everything you need to know before buying new aftermarket brake drums for your classic Ford Falcon.
- Always verify your Falcon's lug count (4 or 5 lugs) before ordering, as axles were often swapped.
- Replace brake drums, shoes, and hardware springs in pairs on the same axle to ensure even braking.
- For a daily driver, consider premium brands like Bendix or the top tiers from Centric and Raybestos for better quality and longevity.
- Always clean the protective oil coating from new drums with brake cleaner before installation.
Is It Time for New Brake Drums on Your Falcon?
After decades on the road, your Falcon's original brake drums have likely seen better days. Brake drums wear thin, can become warped ('out-of-round'), or develop hard spots from heat and use. Worn drums can't dissipate heat properly and reduce your stopping power, which is a critical safety issue. If you notice any of the symptoms below, it's time for an inspection.
Symptoms of a Failing Brake Drum
- Scraping or Grinding Noises: A metal-on-metal grinding sound when you brake usually means the brake shoes are completely worn, and are now damaging the drum.
- Vibrating or Pulsating Brake Pedal: If you feel a pulsing in the brake pedal, it's often a sign the drum is warped and no longer perfectly round. This causes uneven contact with the brake shoes.
- Reduced Stopping Power: If your car takes longer to stop than it used to, your drums and shoes may be too worn to create enough friction.
- Loose Parking Brake: The parking brake on your Falcon uses the rear brake shoes and drums. If the drums are worn too thin, the shoes have to travel farther to make contact, resulting in a loose-feeling parking brake handle and a car that may still roll on a hill.
Check Your Lugs! 4-Lug vs. 5-Lug Axles
Over the years, many Falcons have had their original 4-lug axles swapped for more robust 5-lug units from other Fords like the Mustang or Granada. Before ordering, remove a wheel and count the lug studs. Ordering a 4-lug drum for a 5-lug axle (or vice-versa) is a common and frustrating mistake.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Drum
New Original Equipment (OEM) Ford drums for a 1960-1970 Falcon are no longer made. Your only option is the aftermarket, where quality can vary. Brands can generally be grouped into tiers.
Premium & Heavy-Duty Brands ($70 - $101)
These brands aim for OEM-or-better quality and are a good choice for a car that is driven regularly. They often use higher quality metal (like G3000 grade iron) and better manufacturing processes.
- Bendix: A well-known brand with a long history in braking. They generally offer quality replacement parts, though some users have noted occasional balance issues on new drums.
- Raybestos (Professional Grade): Raybestos offers multiple lines; their higher-end drums are engineered to meet OE specifications for fit and function and are a solid choice for reliability.
- Centric (Premium): Centric's premium line is known for good fitment and a smooth finish. They are a popular choice for restorers and DIY mechanics.
Standard & Economy Brands ($48 - $69)
These brands are more budget-focused. They are perfectly fine for a weekend cruiser or a car that sees limited mileage, but quality control can be less consistent. You may find rougher casting marks or less precise balancing.
- Centric (C-TEK) / Raybestos (R-Line): These are the economy lines from major brands. They get the job done but may not have the same longevity or perfect finish as their premium counterparts.
- Dynamic Friction & Pronto: These are typically standard-grade replacement parts that offer a balance of affordability and function for normal driving.
Pro Tip: Prep Your New Drums
New brake drums are shipped with a thin oil coating to prevent rust. Before installation, clean the entire drum, especially the inside friction surface, with brake cleaner and a lint-free rag. Also, inspect the six raised pads on the backing plate where the new brake shoes will rest. If they are grooved or worn, it can cause noise and poor brake performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to replace brake drums in pairs?
Yes. Always replace brake drums on the same axle at the same time. Replacing just one can cause uneven braking, pulling the car to one side. This also ensures both sides have the same performance and wear characteristics.
Should I replace the brake shoes and hardware too?
Absolutely. It is highly recommended to replace the brake shoes, springs, and adjusters when you install new drums. Old hardware can be weak or stretched, leading to noise and improper brake function. A full hardware kit is inexpensive and ensures the entire system works like new.
What's the difference between front and rear drums on a Falcon?
On many Falcons, the front and rear drums are different. Front drums are often part of the hub assembly, meaning you have to service the wheel bearings to replace them. Rear drums typically slide off after removing the wheel, making them simpler to replace. Always verify the part is correct for the front or rear axle.
Do new aftermarket drums need to be machined?
Ideally, no. They should be ready to install out of the box. However, due to manufacturing tolerances, especially with economy brands, some mechanics recommend a very light 'skim cut' on a brake lathe to ensure they are perfectly round and true before installation.
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Technical Specifications
Vehicle-Specific Fitment. Common diameters are 9-inch or 10-inch, but this varies by year, model (sedan vs. wagon), and potential axle swaps. The most critical specifications are the bolt pattern (4 or 5 lug) and the inner diameter and depth. Always measure your old drums or verify fitment by year and model before purchasing.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is It Time for New Brake Drums on Your Falcon?
- Symptoms of a Failing Brake Drum
- Check Your Lugs! 4-Lug vs. 5-Lug Axles
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Drum
- Premium & Heavy-Duty Brands ($70 - $101)
- Standard & Economy Brands ($48 - $69)
- Pro Tip: Prep Your New Drums
- Frequently Asked Questions
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