Abstract: The method includes the steps of forming separately a pair of spaced recesses in a carrier plate, the recesses having a parallelogram configuration other than a rectangle and a cross member therebetween providing an axis of symmetry, the recesses being symmetrically disposed with respect to the axis of symmetry to approximate a sector of a circle; pressing and age-hardening separately a plate of friction material having a thickness corresponding to the desired thickness of the friction pads; cutting at least a pair of friction pads from the plate having the dimensions and shape of the recesses; and placing and securing each of the pair of friction pads in a different one of the recesses so that the pair of friction pads are disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry to approximate a sector of a circle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a brake shoe including a backing plate having a recess therein to receive the friction pad. Each of the radially inner and outer vertical walls of the recess with respect to the brake disc axis have a different predetermined configuration to retain the friction pad in the recess and to ensure that the entire backing plate receives the braking stresses rather than just a retaining arrangement employed to assist in retaining the friction pad in the recess.