A Completely Different Kind of Disc Brake: 1949 Chrysler

Chrysler's Ausco Lambert Disc Brake System: A Unique Approach

In the automotive world, Chrysler is renowned for its innovations. While the company is known for its iconic muscle cars and luxurious sedans, it also played a pivotal role in the development of disc brakes. However, the disc brakes Chrysler introduced in 1949 were not the caliper-type system we're familiar with today. This article delves into the unique Ausco Lambert system, examining its design, operation, and its eventual demise.

The Birth of the Ausco Lambert System

The Ausco Lambert system, far from being a Chrysler invention, was the brainchild of Homer T. Lambert, who developed it for the Automotive Specialties Manufacturing Company (Ausco) in St. Joseph, Michigan. Ausco supplied the brakes to Chrysler, and the system became known as the Ausco Lambert or Chrysler-Ausco Lambert.

A Unique Design: More Drum Brake Than Disc Brake

Unlike modern disc brakes, the Ausco Lambert system resembled a conventional drum brake more closely. Its key components included a deep-finned cast-iron brake drum, two hydraulic wheel cylinders, and two steel discs. The brake drum was constructed in two halves, inner and outer, which were bolted together. Inside, the two steel discs were faced with conventional brake lining material.

How It Worked: A Ball-and-Ramp Mechanism

When the brake pedal was pressed, hydraulic pressure pushed the discs apart, pushing them against the friction faces machined into the inner and outer drum halves.

Six hardened steel balls, approximately .750 inches in diameter, were positioned between the backs of the two discs in matching, precisely machined pockets.

As the discs rotated at different speeds during deceleration, the balls moved within their pockets, creating additional braking force by pushing the discs apart.

When the brake pedal was released, the discs and balls returned to their original positions, releasing the brakes.

Advantages of the Ausco Lambert System:

**Self-Energizing and Self-Releasing:** The ball-and-ramp arrangement provided self-energizing and self-releasing capabilities, reducing pedal effort.

**Improved Braking Force and Sensitivity:** The design offered greater surface area, enabling more efficient heat dissipation and reducing fade.

**Reduced Pedal Effort:** The system required only half the pedal force of conventional drum brakes at the time, making it more responsive.

**No Adjustment Needed:** The Ausco Lambert system eliminated the need for adjustments typically required in drum brake systems.

Chrysler's Adoption of the Ausco Lambert System:

The system was made standard equipment on the 1949 Chrysler Crown Imperial, a prestigious model that exemplified the pinnacle of luxury and engineering.

The Ausco Lambert system was also featured on the 1950 Chrysler Town & Country.

For other Chrysler division cars, the Ausco Lambert system was a costly $400 option (a significant amount in the 1950s).

Challenges and Demise of the Ausco Lambert System:

Despite its advantages, the Ausco Lambert system faced challenges, ultimately leading to its discontinuation.

**Grabbiness:** The brakes were known for their tendency to grab, resulting in a jerky braking experience.

**Limited Market Acceptance:** While the system offered advantages, car buyers did not see the value in the added cost.

**Shift to Conventional Disc Brakes:** The automotive industry was rapidly evolving, and the caliper-type disc brake system, which offered superior performance and was becoming more affordable, quickly gained popularity.

The Ausco Lambert System: A Pioneer of Its Time

The Ausco Lambert system was an innovative and ambitious attempt by Chrysler to introduce disc brakes to its cars. While it was not a long-term success, it played a role in the evolution of braking technology. It demonstrated the potential of disc brakes and paved the way for the development of the caliper-type system, which ultimately revolutionized the automotive industry.

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