REFLECTOR: Matco Brakes

[Jack Sheehan]

The original matco 323 compound brakes were tested and flown by the 
factory and also I think Dennis miller ( if I remember the right 
name?). This original model had some design problems which caused the 
overheating of the brakes. George took the factory brakes back and 
redesigned the brake with a torque tube which now eliminates the 
alignment problem which was causing the overheating I sent my 
compound 323 brakes back and the were modified to the Rev A 
configuration.before I flew. I have about 250 hours on them now and I 
would guess that is probably about 100-150 landings. The compound 
brakes work very well and I seem to have all the brake I want.  I 
installed the brakes with a heat shield between the brake and the 
gear leg since the overheating problem existed with the original 
compound brakes. As it turns out that was not necessary. I think one 
of the only problems in the brake system now is that I have to sort 
of pump the brakes as opposed to one steady application of brake it 
seems the pressure you can apply is effected by the poor performance 
of the master cylinders. This makes it feel as if the brakes are 
fading but the brakes are fine you seem to loose pressure and simply 
letting up and reapplying gets great stopping power.
I understand the matco master cylinders in the new toe brakes are much better.
These comment apply only to the compound 323 model brake . If you do 
want to use this brake I think you would be very happy but do have 
the brake brought up to the rev A version.

Jack
N55XL