For what it is worth, I am converting to the Beringer wheel/brake setup right now. I replied to Dan directly but I'll clear some things up for any others interested.
I have a 360, not a Legacy, therefor I can't compare the stock Legacy Cleveland parts to the Beringer. But, I can compare the 'stock' Matco parts I have. And they, are, terrible. I have had many brake and wheel related issues over the years. Countless pinched tubes during landing. Failed caliper piston seals. Wheel bearing seals, and bearings, etc etc.. I could go on.
My point is, the 'stock'
parts in my kit totally suck.
Changing to the Beringer is a big job no doubt. They can build your kit for either DOT4 or Mil-Spec fluid. They do not recommend 5606 because of its low flash point, 180-200 degrees. Instead I used Royco 782 which has a flash point of over 450 degrees. The other hard part is the parts are all metric. So, it takes some time to work out the hardware on the master cylinders. Beyond those things, their parts are really amazing. I have never seen CNC'd parts of this quality before.
'Works better than standard' implies that there is something wrong with the Lancair-supplied
Cleveland wheels and brakes. I have never had any problems with mine. I can lock the brakes at just about any speed which means the brakes are more than powerful enough. I have also never had any problems with brake fade. The nylaflow tubing failed even before my first flight but that's a separate issue.
I believe the Beringer brakes require DOT 6 brake fluid. This is glycol-based so spills or drips will immediately ruin any painted surface they touch.
Most important: be VERY careful when selecting non-standard suppliers for your airplane parts. I have $28,000 worth of Blue Mountain EFIS collecting dust in my basement because the company went belly up and the units are no longer supported. The same goes for my Aerocomposites propeller. Will Beringer still be around in 10 or 15 years? Will they still be making replacement parts for your system? Building and maintaining an airplane is a big job. Don't make it any harder than it needs to be.
If you're concerned about cosmetics you can always have the rims stripped and powder-coated to any custom color you choose. They also come with hub caps which give you a bit more canvas to play with.
Keep it simple! -Adam Molny Legacy N181AM 260 hours
-----Original Message----- From: Dan Ballin [dballin [at] gmail.com (mailto:)] Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2014 1:21 PM Subject: Beringer Brakes
I have a Legacy and am considering Beringer brakes. I like the idea that they will work better than the standard, but am concerned about maintainance specifically how easy is it to change tires, needing to use their specific parts - pads, o rings etc. Anyone have experience or thoughts.
BTW David Robinson and I will be at Reno with Race 92 and a new Sponsor -Redbird Flight Simulations, so stop by the Sport Hangar and say hi.