INSPECTION OF BRAKE DRUMS

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30873, 6 October 1965, Page 3

INSPECTION OF BRAKE DRUMS

(New Zealand Press Association) LEVIN, October 5. A recommendation that as soon as possible, brake drums of the same design and manufacture as those on the bus involved in the accident at Rata be inspected, was made by a scientific officer of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Mr D. J. O’Brien, at this morning’s sitting of the inquiry into the accident.

In his recommendations, Mr O’Brien said the drums should be inspected for fractures and cracks on the bearing surface of the bands, and the internal diameters should be measured. This should be done to avoid the possibility that drums are in use which may not be capable of withstanding excessive braking forces which could be built up in an emergency. To further help ascertain the reason for the fracturing of tMte band of the right rear brake drum it is recommended that the manufacturer of these components be asked to state the designed maximum and minimum wall thicknesses the actual chemical composition and mechanical properties specified for these bands. In reply to Crown Counsel, Mr R. C. Savage, Mr O’Brien said all 1951 buses of a similar type to the bus involved in the accident were fitted with an adaption of these brakes and he felt that as a start all such vehicles! should be inspected. Any other vehicles fitted with the brake components should also be inspected, Mr I O’Brien said. “In your investigations do you feel the last act in this series of events was the failure of the brakes?” asked Mr G. Crossley, representing the bus owner, the driver and the firm’s mechanic. Mr O’Brien replied that he thought this was a reasonable assumption. Mr Crossley asked If he

felt the brakes would have broken had normal pressure been applied. “My investigations have led me to believe this would have been so,” Mr O'Brien said.