Abstract: A one-way clutch biasing means for an automatic transmission, comprising: an inner spline formed on a one-way clutch retaining member; an outer spline formed on the outer race of the one-way clutch and loosely meshed with the inner spline; and a resilient member fitted between a side wall surface of the inner spline of the retaining member and an opposing side wall surface of the outer spline of the outer race to urge the outer race constantly in the locking direction of the one-way clutch.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch is disclosed. The electromagnetic clutch includes a pulley and an electromagnetic mechanism. A hub is secured on a drive shaft and has a radially extending flange portion. An armature plate is concentrically disposed on the hub and faces the axial end surface of the pulley with an axial air gap. A holder plate is fixed on an axial end surface of the armature plate and is formed with an axially extending flange which has a configuration including at least one straight line. The radial flange portion of the hub is also formed with a second axially extending flange at a radial outer end portion. The first and second axially extending flanges are formed of a similar configuration and face one another with a radial gap between them. An elastic member is disposed in an inner surface of the first axial flange portion to fill the radial gap and cover the axial end surface of the radial flange portion and the second axial flange.

Abstract: A clutch driven plate assembly for use in an automotive vehicle adapted to dissipate the irregular impulses of the vehicle internal combustion or diesel engine when the transmission is in neutral, the clutch is engaged and the engine is at idle rpm. The assembly includes a clutch plate, a spring retainer plate secured to the clutch plate, and a hub in operative engagement with the transmission input shaft and having an integral hub flange with spring windows opened to allow an additional rotational travel of the clutch and spring retainer plates relative to the hub. A retainer is journalled on the hub so as to rotate with the clutch plate and has a plurality of equally spaced recesses facing the hub and receiving compression springs and plungers biased by the springs into engagement with complementary recesses formed in the hub flange. Rotation of the clutch plate and retainer relative to the hub causes the plungers to be cammed out of the recesses against the force of the compression springs.

Abstract: A torsion damping device for an automobile clutch friction disc comprises two coaxial parts angularly movable relative to one another to a limited extent in opposition to the action of first helicoidal springs disposed between the parts, these first springs damping vibrations between the clutch drive and driven shafts. One of the coaxial parts comprises a coaxial web and hub themselves angularly movable relative to one another over a limited sector defined by complementary toothings on the web and hub. Second helicoidal springs are disposed between the web and hub to oppose their relative angular movement, damping noise when in neutral gear. At least one block of elastomeric material is disposed between the toothings on the web and hub, the or each block allowing the toothings to strike positively against one another but braking their relative motion to reduce noise when torque in the clutch is reversed.

Abstract: A dry clutch disc wherein an outward cam extending radially outwardly is formed on an output-side spline hub, input-side side plates are disposed on both sides of the cam, a leaf spring facing on a cam surface and elastically radially outwardly deformable by means of the cam is equipped between the input-side side plates, and a stopper made of elastic material touchable on the leaf spring at the time of its radial outward deformation is provided on the side plates with a fixed distance kept apart from the leaf spring radially outwardly.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an electromagnetic clutch/brake device which prevents undesired vibration of a rotary brake mounted on an ouput shaft so as to be slidable in its axial direction. For this purpose, the rotary brake is made unbalanced in weight in a specified direction with respect to its revolution center and a driven rotary body mounted on the output shaft and subjected to rotational force from the output shaft is made unbalanced in weight in a specified direction with respect to its revolution center. The driven rotary body and the rotary brake are fitted to the output shaft so that they are in a balanced condition when the shaft is driven.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for energizing a multiple-turn winding of an electromagnetic coupling having an armature and a rotor separated by an air gap; in response to the closure of the air gap, the energization of the winding is reduced so as to reduce the torque coupling between the armature and rotor. By reducing the initial torque coupling between the armature and rotor the frictional vibrations of the coupling--which occur during engagement of the armature and rotor and which generate audible noise--are reduced and the coupling engages more smoothly and quietly. Preferably, the energization of the winding is reduced in response to the increased magnetic inductance of the winding resulting from the closure of the air gap between the armature and rotor. Also, the torque coupling between the armature and rotor is preferably minimized in response to the increased magnetic inductance so as to provide 100% slippage upon initial contact of the rotor with the armature.

Abstract: In an arrangement embracing an internal combustion engine and transmission, intended in particular for use in motor vehicles, the crankshaft is split on the side of the flywheel (6) facing the engine and the crankshaft sections are interconnected via a torsionally elastic intermediate member (9). The crankshaft section (5) carrying the flywheel (6) may be seated in a bearing (4) disposed in an intermediate flange rigidly connected with the transmission housing (1). Further, the housings (1, 2) of the engine and the transmission may also be connected via elastic elements (31).

Abstract: A disc brake comprises a torque-supporting member (10) with which is associated an actuating mechanism (28) to stress at least one friction element (22) against a rotating disc (18), this element (22) comprising a lining-holding plate (38) on which a friction lining is mounted. The plate (38) interacts so as to be anchored and to slide with guide surfaces formed on the torque support (10), and an anti-noise spring (48) interacts with the friction element (22) and with the torque support (10). According to the invention, the lining-holding plate (38) has an assembly aperture (46) for the anit-noise spring (48) and this aperture has a bearing portion and a widened assembly portion which opens into the bearing portion and onto one edge of the lining-holding plate (38). The anti-noise spring (48) interacts with at least one part of the bearing portion so as to stress the friction element (22).

Abstract: A movable disc for a friction type electromagnetic clutch/brake is designed for preventing the production of grating sounds from the movable disc. The movable disc includes a rotary armature being movable in a predetermined direction by the application of electromagnetic force, a friction material stuck onto one side surface of the rotary armature, an elastic member supported on one side surface of the rotary armature to the side opposite to the friction material, a face plate fitted to the rotary armature so as to urge the elastic member to the rotary armature. Perforations are formed in the face plate to reduce its mass and the surface area contacting to the elastic member thereby attaining a rapid start up and good periodic damping characteristic.

Abstract: A hydraulic dampened clutch plate having a hub, a hub flange, a friction disc plate and pins on the hub flange and disc plate spaced radially outwardly from the hub and spaced equally circumferentially around the hub, the pins on the flange and disc plate being joined by a cylinder and piston, the cylinder being fluid tight and the piston having a valve there in, divides the cylinder into two chambers, the piston valve interconnecting the chambers to dampening vibration or the piston moves in and out of the cylinder because of relative movement between the hub flange and the disc plate.

Abstract: A power change-over mechanism of a vehicle for industrial machinery, in which a power change-over spool is divided into an outer peripheral side member and an inner peripheral side member, splines freely meshing with splines of a high-speed gear and a low-speed gear are formed on the outer peripheral side member, a spline freely meshing with splines of a first driving shaft and a second driving shaft is formed on the inner peripheral side member, and the both members are connected each other so as to integrally rotate in the rotational direction and to relatively slide through a damper means in the axial direction.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly includes a pair of brake shoes which are slidably mounted on a fixed support. An elastic retention member is mounted on each of the shoes before they are assembled onto the fixed support. Each of the retention members includes a locking portion which engages the web of the brake shoes, and a pair of arm portions which extend from the locking portions and which engage the web of the brake shoe in such a way as to releasably maintain the locking portion engaged with the web of the brake shoe. When the brake shoes are assembled on the torque member, a portion of the torque member is provided with a sloped edge that engages the locking portion to release the latter as the brake shoes are assembled onto the fixed support, so that the retaining member then exerts a biasing force between the torque member and the brake shoes.

Abstract: In a fist-type caliper disc brake, there is provided at least one angular retaining spring which is secured to the brake support member. One of its legs is fastened to a radial surface (17) of the brake support member, while its other leg (11b) urges the fist-type caliper radially against a supporting surface on the brake support member.

Abstract: In a multi-disc clutch or brake, several lamellae in the form of annular discs cannot only be fixed essentially non-rotatably, relative to a lamella carrier fixed in terms of rotation in relation to one of the two clutch or brake parts, by means of a releasable positive connection but can also each be supported radially exclusively at an individual point on the lamella carrier, each by means of its own resilient clamping means, the clamping means being retained on the lamella carrier. At least one central annular gap located, in the peripheral direction of the axis of rotation, between two engaging teeth of the positive connection and open in the two directions of the axis of rotation is limited radially in one directions by a cylindrical shell portion of a lamella and in the other direction by a cylindrical shell portion of the lamella carrier. The engagement surface of the clamping means, used for the purpose of support, is located in the annular gap and interacts with the shell portion of the lamella.

Abstract: An arrangement for dampening a transmission synchronizer. A plurality of T-shaped shoes are disclosed for assembly on the jaw toothed shoulder of the synchronizer main gear. The shoulder has a plurality of chordal flats with a radial bore formed therein. Each T-shaped shoe is molded of resilient material and includes a cross head portion and a stem for reception in its associated radial bore. The synchronizer stop ring has selected individual ones of its internal teeth omitted creating slots defined by the omitted tooth together with the adjacent root spaces. The cross head is sized to snugly contact the opposed flanks of the adjacent stop ring teeth. By urging the stop ring internal teeth into a neutral centered position with the gear teeth the invention obviates stop ring rattle by eliminating play between the stop ring and the main gear.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved attachment arrangement and method for attaching a temperature responsive bi-metallic strip to the housing of a fluid friction clutch of the type having a rotatable disk disposed to rotate in a work space of a relatively rotatable housing. The work space is separated from a clutch fluid reservoir by an intermediate disk fixed to the housing and the flow of clutch fluid into the work space is controlled by a valve lever which is movably mounted for controlling the opening of a bore through the intermediate disk. The valve lever is in turn controlled by a temperature responsive bi-metallic strip mounted at the cover of the housing and a movable member extending through the housing cover and engageable with the bi-metallic strip and the valve lever. The bi-metallic strip is held in place by being clamped under ribs provided at the front side of the housing cover and is held by means of tongues at the bi-metallic strip which are abuttingly engageable with the cooling ribs.

Abstract: A self-centering anti-rattle spring for a clutch is disclosed. The resilient spring is positioned between the circumference of a pressure plate of the clutch and the circumference of a flywheel of the clutch. The resilient spring acts to arrest vibration and tumbling of the pressure plate to reduce wear and noise encountered during clutch operation. The resilient spring also functions to align a rotatable drive member connecting the plate to the flywheel.

Abstract: A clutch comprising a flywheel and one or more axially extending driving friction disks is provided. The pressure plate of the clutch is resiliently urged into engagement with at least one of the friction disks. A resilient driving means extends from the flywheel to drive a plate engaging means located adjacent the friction disks. The driving means engages the engaging plate means and acts as a vibration and tumbling arresting means to reduce wear and noise encountered during the operation of the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch driven plate assembly for use in an automotive vehicle having a multi-part hub assembly with the capability of trapping lubricant in the gear teeth when the assembly is subjected to centrifugal force in operation. The hub assembly includes an inner hub in axial splined engagement with the transmission input shaft, an outer hub with an integral radial flange and in splined engagement with the inner hub through helical splines. The inner hub is formed of a light weight non-metallic material, or the outer hub houses an annular spacer formed of an impact and sound-absorbing material to cushion the inner hub upon reciprocation thereof within the outer hub, the outer hub having end plates which act as a dam for lubricant within the intermeshing helical gear teeth.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled release system for a friction clutch particularly for a motor vehicle including an annular cylinder supported at a transmission housing and having an annular piston operatively engaged therein, the piston being connected with a diaphragm spring control member of the clutch. The end of the piston facing the clutch extends axially into the annular cylinder and the opposite end of the piston which faces the transmission rests against a radially outwardly bent edge of a bearing flange operatively mounted radially within the annular piston and cylinder. The bearing flange is guided with its outer side on the inner side of the annular cylinder and carries a release bearing which is operatively interposed between the diaphragm control spring of the clutch and the release bearing.

Abstract: A clutch has a bearing adapted to be axially movable by means of an actuating member, so that the bearing can move into and out of engagement with a clutch lever, such as a diaphragm spring or cup-spring. A ring of vibration damping material is mounted on either the bearing ring or clutch lever to damp the passage of vibration therebetween, and a layer of wear resistant material may be provided on the ring of damping material.

Abstract: In a throw-out bearing for a clutch, a movable element, which may be comprised of a sliding sleeve, is slidably supported on a guide element by flexible conical projections extending inwardly from the movable part to the guide element. The projections may be on the end of and the unitary part of the sliding sleeve, or they may be a part of a sleeve inserted within the sliding sleeve, or they may form a part of the fixed ring of the bearing.

Abstract: A clutch driven plate assembly for use in an automotive vehicle adapted to dissipate the irregular impulses of the vehicle engine when the transmission is in neutral, the clutch is engaged and the engine is at idle rpm. The assembly includes an inner hub in operative engagement with the transmission input shaft, an outer hub encompassing the inner hub, cooperating conical teeth on the inner and outer hubs, a back plate in engagement with the inner hub, and resilient means between the back plate and the outer hub.

Abstract: A disc brake (10) includes a support member (22) movably interlocking with a pair of friction elements (42, 44) to dispose the friction elements adjacent a rotatable brake disc (12). The friction elements define abutment surfaces (88, 90) movably engaging a caliper (60) straddling the brake disc (12) and friction elements (42, 44) so that the friction elements support the caliper. An axially-extending pin (110) is carried by the support member (22) and received in an axially-extending bore (112) defined by the caliper so that the caliper (60) is also supported by the axially-extending pin. The caliper (60) includes pairs of axially-spaced projections (96, 98, and 100, 102) and the friction elements (42, 44) define slots (92, 94) aligning with the projections. A pair of resilient members (104, 106) extend axially through the slots (92, 94) of the friction members (42, 44) and engage the projections (96, 98, and 100, 102) of the caliper to interlock the caliper (60) and friction elements (42, 44).

Abstract: There is disclosed a cable-type clutch release device for a clutch of the type, in which a release bearing disposed between a crank shaft of an engine and a transmission is maintained in contact with a diaphragm spring when the clutch pedal is released. In the clutch release device according to the present invention, a first clutch pedal member having a pedal pad, a second clutch pedal member, and a ratchet member connected to one end of a cable for transmitting the movement of the first clutch pedal member to the clutch, and having ratchet teeth are supported pivotally movably about a common axis; and a pawl member having at one end thereof a pawl engageable with one of ratchet teeth of the ratchet member is pivotally movably supported on the second clutch pedal member, the other end of the pawl member being adapted to engage an engaging pin.

Abstract: In a clutch release bearing assembly for a motor vehicle, the outer ring of a clutch thrust bearing has a flange engaging a radially extending flange of a housing part affixed to a sliding sleeve. This engagement permits play. An elastic ring is held fixed with respect to the outer bearing ring, and has projections extending axially from its internal circumference to engage circular surfaces of recesses of the housing. The circular surfaces of the recesses are joined by straight sections on the housing, whereby the tendency of the sliding sleeve to rotate with respect to the bearing ring effects the radial bending of the tongues, to damp such movement.

Abstract: A push rod assembly for a clutch master cylinder having a rod in abutment with a piston of the clutch master cylinder, a clevis operatively connected to a clutch pedal, and a rubber vibration isolator interposed between the rod and the clevis wherein the rod is formed by stamp forging, the clevis is formed by press working and the rubber vibration isolator is secured to the rod and the clevis during forming thereof, thereby decreasing the resulting cost and increasing the intensity of adhesion thereof.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing track wheel having one or more different natural frequencies. The wheel body has a wheel flange with one or more resonance absorbers on the wheel flange. Each resonance absorber comprises at least two tongues and an intermediate layer of damping material between each of the two adjacent tongues, and each tongue is turned to a different natural frequency of the wheel.

Abstract: In a noise reducing disengagement device for motor vehicle clutches having rolling elements and adapted to be radially displaceable with respect to a sliding sleeve, the bearing includes an apertured fixed race having a radially directed flange on a plate fixedly mounted with respect to the sleeve. The fixed race has a damping ring coupled thereto and contacting the flange on the side toward the rolling elements, and at least three damping members distributed on the circumference of the plate. The plate includes a plurality of recesses, the damping members passing through the apertures in the fixed race and entering the recesses in the plate.

Abstract: An antivibration device for a clutch pedal in a clutch operating mechanism wherein upon depressing the clutch pedal a hydraulic pressure is caused in a master cylinder, which in turn actuates an operating cylinder to operate a withdrawal lever, the device having an oil damper provided in a hydraulic passage communicating between the master and operating cylinders, thereby absorbing fluctuations in hydraulic pressure in the operating cylinder caused by engine vibrations to prevent vibration of the clutch pedal.

Abstract: A balancing piece fixedly received within a tapered opening of cooling vents radially disposed in a ventilated brake disc for the purpose of improving rotational balance of the ventilated disc. The balancing piece includes, as integral parts thereof, a wide portion at a wide end thereof, at least one tab portion formed adjacent to the wide portion and protruding at an acute angle relative to the wide end portion, and a locking portion at a narrow end thereof.

Abstract: An improved pivotal mounting assembly, preferably for use with a centrifugal clutch for pivotally mounting the clutch shoes, has a plastic insert which forms either a sector-like portion of a usual cylindrical-shaped, metallic pivot pin, or a portion of the clutch shoe which forms a pivot pin receiving opening. The plastic insert will have an outer convex surface when forming a part of a cylindrical pivot pin or will have a concave surface when forming a part of the clutch shoe. Preferably the convex and concave surfaces will have arcuate lengths of approximately 120.degree.. The plastic insert provides a low-friction pivotal bearing surface for the clutch shoe, which will absorb many of the forces and stresses exerted on the pivot assembly upon coupling engagement of the clutch shoes with a driven drum. The supporting metal areas of the pivot pin or clutch shoe adjacent the plastic strip provides the mechanical strength for the strip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibration damping device for a mechanical clutch release system for a motor vehicle having a clutch cable comprising an outer cable mounted to the body of the motor vehicle and to the engine at one end and at the other end which is positioned forwardly of an exhaust pipe respectively and an inner cable mounted to a clutch pedal and to a clutch release fork at one end outwardly extending from the one end of the outer cable and at the other end outwardly extending from the other end of the outer cable respectively. The vibration damping device comprises a cylindrical body which is enclosingly secured to the inner cable between the other end of the outer cable and the clutch release fork to increase flexural rigidity of the inner cable.

Abstract: A torsion damping center and a clutch plate assembly incorporating the torsion damping center are disclosed. The torsion damping center comprises a first hub which is the actual hub of the clutch plate assembly and which is coaxial to a second hub and mounted for relative angular displacement within predetermined limits, and a damper ring operatively interposed between the hubs for a range of relative angular displacements. The damper ring comprises a pair of identical annular plates of sheet metal construction and a pad of elastic material sandwiched between the plates and bonded thereto. The plates have at least one tooth at their inner periphery for connection for rotation with the first and second hubs respectively. The damper ring constitutes a first damping stage; the second damping stage comprising a series of circumferentially disposed coil springs interposed between the second hub and a friction disc carried on an annular subassembly.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for a mechanical clutch release system comprising a damper weight mounted to an inner cable connected to a release fork by a clevis. The damper weight is provided with an axial bore for receiving the inner cable, two slits formed on diametrically opposite sides of the axial bore, a bolt for securely holding the inner cable in the axial bore and a cylindrical portion provided near the release fork to coaxially encircle the clevis.

Abstract: A free travel adjusting device for a cable-operated clutch release system for an automobile. A cylindrical cable holder for holding a clutch cable is mounted through an impact absorbing member to a dash panel in the engine room of the automobile. The clutch cable has in its portion received in the cable holder an external thread with which a wing nut is threadedly connected. A means for preventing rotation of the wing nut is provided between the wing nut and the cable holder.

Abstract: A device for preventing rattling of a friction pads in disc brakes, in which a resilient member for avoiding rattling is interposed between the outer periphery of the friction pad and the inner surface of a portion for receiving the pad. The pad-receiving portion is formed in a caliper body.

Abstract: A disc brake of the type including a stationary supporting member, a pair of friction pads supported on the supporting member and slidable in the direction of the axis of a rotatable disc, a caliper supported on the supporting member and slidable in the direction of the axis of the disc, a piston provided in the caliper for acting on one of friction pads to urge it against one surface of the disc, and a pad spring disposed between the caliper and the friction pads. The other of the friction pads is mounted on the supporting member such that the pad can be removed from the supporting member by displacing the friction pad and the caliper on the supporting member a predetermined distance past the normal operational range. The pad spring engages with the supporting member and with the other friction pad thereby limiting the displacement of the other friction pad with respect to the supporting member.

Abstract: A disc brake includes a caliper which receives two friction elements. Opposed edges of a friction element and the caliper respectively define a gap therebetween. A noise reducing spring of the brake includes a pair of resilient opposed arms. The resilient arms of the spring fit into the gap and cooperate with the gap-defining edges to reduce brake noise. A mounting pin carried by the caliper supports the friction elements therein. An aperture defined by the spring receives the mounting pin so that the spring is pivotally mounted relative to the caliper and friction elements. Upon installation, the spring is placed in its inoperative position with its resilient arms disposed away from the gap. After the friction elements and mounting pins are in place, the spring is pivoted into place and a tab of the spring snaps into a recess of the caliper to lock the spring in its operative position.

Abstract: An anti-rattle or biasing member is positioned between the torque receiving member of an automotive disc brake and the brake shoe backing plate urging said backing plate into an anti-rattling engagement with said torque carrying member.

Abstract: The armature of an electromagnetic clutch is connected to an axially fixed elastomeric ring by leaf springs which urge the armature away from the electromagnet. Rivets connect the springs to the armature and are formed with pin-like extensions which are telescoped snugly but slidably into holes in the ring. When the magnet is initially excited, the ring frictionally retards movement of the pin-like extensions to cause the armature to softly and quietly engage the magnet rather than slapping sharply against the magnet.

Abstract: A disc brake includes a pair of friction elements which are movable by a hydraulic actuator and a caliper into engagement with the disc to effectuate braking. A torque member movably supports the caliper. The hydraulic actuator includes a piston cup and an anti-rattle spring is disposed within the piston cup and releasably engaged with one of the pair of friction elements to eliminate noise generated between the one friction element and the caliper, the torque member, or the piston cup. In particular, the anti-rattle spring comprises a split ring having a polygonal circumference. The split ring is contracted radially for insertion into the piston cup and sides of the polygonal surface are expanded radially to receive the one friction element. A pair of tabs on the split ring releasably engages the one friction element to retain the same in engagement with the piston cup.

Abstract: A vertical-axis, automatic washing machine has a central drive shaft for oscillatably driving a first agitator portion with a clutch member splined thereto. The clutch has downwardly-facing teeth having drive surfaces and slip surfaces. An auger or second agitator portion coaxial with the first agitator portion has cooperating upwardly-facing teeth. Upon a drive or forward oscillation of the drive shaft and first agitator portion, the drive surfaces engage one another to drive the auger portion in a stepwise rotation. During an opposite rotation of the first agitator portion, the slip surfaces engage one another and, where the contents of the washer basket retards a reverse movement of the auger, the teeth will slip past one another, with the clutch member reciprocating vertically upon its splined connection. An annular cushioning member placed between the clutch and the agitator parts cushions impacts between the teeth during such reciprocations by controlling the depth of tooth engagement.

Abstract: The pressure plate actuation fingers of a friction clutch are provided with means for noise attenuation by the application of acoustical materials, alteration of the mass of vibrating parts, or surface treatment of slipping parts either individually or collectively to prevent the generation of objectionable noise due to resonance and sympathetic vibrations that are initiated by the stick-slip phenomenon as the non-rotating clutch release bearing contacts the relatively rotating actuation fingers.

Abstract: Means to prevent flutter of the interleaved clutch plates of a clutch including clutch plates having their peripheries formed as non-circular members. The outer periphery of the clutch plates are formed with flat portions or spots which act as cams when the adjacent discs rotate relative to each other and whereby they resist the tendency to flutter. The clutch plates are formed so that a continuous circular surface no longer exists on the periphery of the plates and in effect a series of cams are provided which tend to drive the clutch plate to a neutral or no-force position.

Abstract: A disc brake including a piston for urging a friction pad against one surface of a rotatable disc, in which a plate having a freedom of movement in radial directions is disposed between the piston and the friction pad for transmitting thrust from the piston to the friction pad.

Abstract: A disc brake pad support plate is coated with a thin (less than 0.1 mm) layer of latex, preferably nitrile latex, to reduce brake noise and eliminate brake squeal.

Abstract: A friction plate clutch for attachment to an internal combustion engine is protected against vibration induced wear of loosely interfitted parts thereof by spring devices which keep the parts yieldingly in firm contact with each other.

Abstract: Noise from track retarders is significantly reduced by a brake shoe which dampens vibrations as continuous braking action of a wheel occurs. The brake shoe is adapted to have selectively variable brake surface configurations which contribute to reduced vibration. A special metal alloy, typically a flake-graphite bearing iron with vibration suppression characteristics lubricates the braking surface and lessens wheel oscillations during braking. The lubrication also contributes to uniform surface temperatures along the braking surface which lessens the tendency for the braking to fade. The brake shoe is basically a self-lubricated surface of variable contact area configuration.