Brake Linings - Asbestos ???

[Vic in E-TN]

I have a set of bonded linings that look old. They are in pretty good shape wear wise but they are not chamfered on the leading and trailing edges. I want to do this but am concerned that they may be old enough to contain asbestos. Is there an easy and inexpensive way to test them before I contaminate my shop and house?

Thanks,
Vic

[Tom Wesenberg]

I would do it outside and use a rough file or sanding disc in the drill, or even a small belt sander. Wear a dust mask and don't worry about it.

BTW, do not buy a dust mask from the dollar store. I bought a pack of 5 from the dollar store just to wear for our extremely cold weather. I didn't know those masks could be made so thin and junky. The strap tore out before I even had it on my head. I threw them away and went to Menards and bought the 3M brand.

[Junior]

Purchased a testing kit from Lowes Hardware when we remodeled the bathroom in our very old house. Wife (the banker) said it was like $12.00.

[Vic in E-TN]

Thanks,
Looking at Lowe's or Home Depot never crossed my mind. I have another set of shoes that are suspect also.

Vic

[Vic in E-TN]

I was at H-D the other day to look for a dust mask for my new sandblast cabinet from TP tools. The cabinet label says that I must use a specific type of mask. All the ones at H-D say "not for use with sandblasting". I went to a hydraulic supply store for a better one.

I think that the clubs need to cover this area of safety in one of the national meets or at least in an article in the magazine.

Vic

[eicke]

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Why take any chances?.........Isn't your health worth more than a $50 set of shoes?

[Pete]

Use a dust mask.
File them outside.
Hide them.
After you are done, mess with the neighbors and tell them the neighborhood is contaminated with asbestos dust from outer space.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Vic in E-TN

I was at H-D the other day to look for a dust mask for my new sandblast cabinet from TP tools. The cabinet label says that I must use a specific type of mask. All the ones at H-D say "not for use with sandblasting". I went to a hydraulic supply store for a better one.

I think that the clubs need to cover this area of safety in one of the national meets or at least in an article in the magazine.

Vic

For sandblasting with my cabinet I wear a full face mask with the cartidges. One day I was in the basement blasting for a couple hours and didn't have my mask on. I really paid for that over the next 4 days, and won't do that again. Even though I have Dayton cabinet with a large cloth dust collector, the fine dust gets into the air.

[Kurt in NJ]

Do it in the sink under running water ,then lay out in sun -

[Paul's Garage]

I would be sure that they are asbestos , I have been a certified asbestos inspector-management planner since 1987. Even most new sets of brake shoes are asbestos since they can't find anything that works as well as it does. Working it wet if you must is a great idea.

[redmodelt]

My OP. I could understand your worry if you were doing this everyday but it's 16 shoes, put a good dust mask on and get it done. Think how much asbestos is in the air at an intersection. As far as I know asbestos is a natural mineral and it's years of exposure not once or twice.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by eicke

Why take any chances?.........Isn't your health worth more than a $50 set of shoes?

Not everybody that used brake linings that had asbestos in them have health related problems. I would think you have a greater chance of getting into a car accident then to get ill because you drive a few hundred miles a month in your A.

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

Do it in the sink under running water ,then lay out in sun -

yea asbestos is only bad if it gets airbourne. if you keep it wet it isnt any more harmful than the dirt outside on the ground (or snow for soem of us...)

[karasmer]

Don't get too excited over asbestos, standing on a busy street corner not too many years ago provided plenty of exposure from the brake dust. The old sheet metal and such trades used to cut this stuff with saws their whole careers and at times it looked like a whiteout and not all of them came down with the disease.

[Vic in E-TN]

I took the suggestion to go to Lowe's and get a test kit. They did not have one but a company that they own does and I could order it. I read the small print on the in store web and the kit included a free mailer but there was a $30 price for the test company. Home Depot had the same except it was $4 less plus the same $30. I went to a mid size local plumbing supply and saw the same as H-D and Lowe's.

I will probably take the suspect shoes outside and work with the wind at my back with a respirator. I have another set of shoes (4) that I am almost sure that are asbestos. They will probably stay in a plastic bag until and if I really need them.

Vic

[Sixseven]

The asbestos industry was bad for some people that were heavily exposed and particularly for those that smoked. Then some guy got involved and proclaimed that "one fiber could kill". Then asbestos made lawyers and consultants rich. I have more respect for the new urethane paints than I have for asbestos.

As for other hazards: What about the lead body filler? How about the bondo dust filled garage? Some other things on cars could also contain asbestos like the caulking used on interior body seams and exhaust gaskets. How about that old reflective, glowing paint on my 1950 model Studebaker Land Cruiser, that was a low level radioactive material. Then there are also welding fumes that most people sort of ignore when it's a short job.

[JEC]

The thing to remember is that you are not going to get out of here alive.
Asbestos in your lungs is bad news; But it needs to be airborne to get there.
The suggestion of doing it in the driveway with water as a wash is a plus.
Back when I was young and did brake job's (old term) on my cars when I had the brake drum off i would clean the shoes with stodard solvent to get rid of all of the
crap.
I didn't realize that I was saving my life.
Wear a paper mask and don't worry about it.

[RonC]

Breathing anything is probably detrimental to your health. I wouldn't worry to much about working with asbestos brakes occasionally. Just wear a dust mask, don't use compressed air and keep dust at a minimum using water. Asbestos brake pads along with gaskets and clutch facings are not a banned to make, import or use by the EPA. Treat everything like it might contain asbestos.
http://www2.epa.gov/asbestos/us-federal-bans-asbestos

Here's some asbestos safety tips for mechanics working with brakes
http://www.asbestosnetwork.com/expos...automotive.htm

[SSsssteamer]

[QUOTE=RonC;832312]....Treat everything like it might contain asbestos.....
http://www2.epa.gov/asbestos/us-federal-bans-asbestos

That is the best advice so far.

[jimvette59]

The wet method is the best advice you got. Don't let it get in the air, wash them down thoroughly and every thing around them. You can look up bag and glove method for asbestos removal. JMHO

PS. I agree with Kurt in NJ.