Essential Guide to 1960-1970 Mercury Comet Drum Brake Shoe Replacement
Keep your classic Comet stopping safely and reliably with the right set of new aftermarket drum brake shoes.
- The original drum brakes on the Comet were considered weak; using quality modern aftermarket shoes is a safety upgrade.
- Always replace brake shoes, hardware springs, and inspect wheel cylinders at the same time for a complete repair.
- Verify your Comet's drum diameter (9" or 10") before ordering to avoid getting the wrong parts.
- Brands like Wagner and Centric are excellent standard replacements, while Powerstop offers a performance upgrade.
Is It Time to Replace Your Comet's Brake Shoes?
For a car from the 1960s, the braking system is relatively simple but requires attention. The brake shoes are wear items, meaning they are designed to be replaced over time. Ignoring the signs of wear can lead to poor stopping performance or even brake failure. Listen to your car; it will tell you when something is wrong.
🎬 See how to diagnose common Ford drum brake failures.Key Failure Symptoms:
- Scraping or Grinding Noises: A metallic grinding sound when you brake is a critical warning. It often means the friction material on the shoes has worn completely away, and now metal is grinding against the metal drum.
- Reduced Stopping Power: If your brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or you have to push it further to the floor to stop, your shoes may be worn out or contaminated.
- Car Pulling to One Side: When one set of brake shoes is more worn than the other, it can cause uneven braking, making your Comet pull to the left or right when you apply the brakes. This can also be caused by a leaking wheel cylinder that has contaminated the shoes with brake fluid.
- Vibrating Brake Pedal: While often a sign of warped drums, a pulsating pedal can also be related to worn or improperly installed shoes.
- Loose Parking Brake: If your parking brake handle pulls up higher than usual or doesn't hold the car securely, it's a strong indication that the rear brake shoes are worn down and need adjustment or replacement.
A Note on Original Brakes
The original drum brake systems on 1960s cars like the Falcon and Comet were considered merely adequate even when new. Many owners report that they are prone to fading with heat and do not perform well in wet conditions. Keeping the system in top condition with quality aftermarket parts is essential for safety.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Shoes
Original Ford (OEM) brake shoes for a 1960-1970 Comet are no longer produced. Your options are New Old Stock (NOS), which is rare and expensive, or modern aftermarket parts. Today's aftermarket brands often use friction materials that are superior to what was available in the 1960s, offering better performance and durability without containing asbestos.
Brand Tiers for Your Comet:
- Standard Replacement (Good): Brands like Centric and Dynamic Friction offer quality, reliable brake shoes that meet or exceed original specifications. They are an excellent choice for daily drivers and cruisers, providing dependable stopping power for a reasonable price. Both brands focus on ensuring a proper fit to the drum by precision grinding the shoe's arc.
- Trusted OE-Style (Better): Wagner Brakes is a long-standing brand known for producing parts that closely match OE design and performance. Their shoes are a solid, reliable choice if you want to maintain the original feel and performance of your brake system. They are a go-to for many who prefer established brands.
- Performance Upgrade (Best): For owners seeking improved braking, Powerstop offers semi-metallic brake shoes designed for increased stopping power and shorter break-in times. While some performance pads from other brands can be very dusty, Powerstop is often noted for good performance without excessive dust. These are a great option if you have a V8 Comet or simply want an extra margin of safety.
Common Ordering Mistake
The 1960-1970 Mercury Comet used different brake drum sizes (commonly 9-inch or 10-inch) depending on the year, engine (6-cylinder vs. V8), and body style. Always measure your brake drums or check your vehicle's specific configuration before ordering new shoes to ensure you get the correct size.
Aftermarket Drum Brake Shoe Cost for 1960-1970 Mercury Comet
| Part Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Brake Shoes | $41.73 - $84.67 |
Note: This is the price for a set of shoes for one axle (front or rear). Prices are estimates and may vary by brand and retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace anything else with my brake shoes?
Yes. It is highly recommended to replace the brake hardware kit (springs, clips, and pins) every time you replace the shoes. Old springs can lose tension, causing noise and improper shoe retraction. It's also the perfect time to inspect your brake drums for wear 🎬 Watch a brake inspection on a 1965 Mercury Comet. and replace the wheel cylinders, as they are prone to leaking on older cars. Replacing everything at once ensures a complete and reliable brake job.
Are there any recalls for 1960-1970 Comet brakes?
No, there are no open safety recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the brake shoes or drum brake system on the 1960-1970 Mercury Comet. Any recalls from that era would have been issued and closed decades ago.
Can I install brake shoes myself?
Yes, this is a DIY-friendly job for someone with mechanical experience. However, drum brakes are more complex than disc brakes due to the number of springs and clips. You will need a good set of tools, including a brake spring tool and a brake spoon for adjustments. Always work on one side at a time, leaving the other side assembled as a reference.
🎬 Follow this guide to servicing 1962 Mercury Comet drum brakes.What's the difference between bonded and riveted shoes?
Bonded shoes have the friction material glued to the metal shoe, while riveted shoes use metal rivets. Both methods are reliable. Some aftermarket brands like Dynamic Friction use a combination of glue and rivets for extra security. The choice between them often comes down to brand availability for your specific model, and both will perform well for a classic Comet.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: C4UZ-2028-A
Varies by year and model. Common drum diameters are 9-inch and 10-inch. Shoes can be bonded or riveted. Friction material is typically organic or semi-metallic.
We Have This Part in Stock
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 to Replace Your Comet's Brake Shoes?
- Key Failure Symptoms:
- A Note on Original Brakes
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Shoes
- Brand Tiers for Your Comet:
- Common Ordering Mistake
- Aftermarket Drum Brake Shoe Cost for 1960-1970 Mercury Comet
- Frequently Asked Questions
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