By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Monday, October 29, 2001 - 02:29 pm: Edit

On Friday, while driving home from British Pacific, I lost my brakes on the Newhall Pass (even more excitment was the journey up and over the Sepulveda Pass for the final 6 miles home. Made for an interesting drive as I had to pump the pedal 4~6 times to get pressure before it would stop.

Got home and rebuilt the M/C with a kit I had on hand. Pulled the brakes to check the pads, etc. and discoverd part II of my problem.

Both front Wheel Cylinders and the right rear Wheel Cylinder have at least one siezed piston. The front brakes had been dragging and, while the drums are OK, the pads are well worn. On the three siezed cylinders, the pistons on the leading pad have all frozen. On one, both pistons have siezed.

I have decided to get new Wheel Cylinders as I am leary of rebuilding these 3. The M/C was easy as the bore and piston looked good (a little tarnish) and new rubber will do the trick, but the Wheel Cylinders don't look as nice. Why f**k around with brakes anyway? Especially as it's my daily ride.

I am just wondering if there are any tips or tricks folks would like to share on replacing the Wheel Cylinders. Aside from part replacement and a system bleed, are there any suggestions/hints to make life easier?

Looking forward to stopping...

TIA.

Jeff & "Puddles" the mighty 1965 88" IIA

By Ron on Monday, October 29, 2001 - 02:38 pm: Edit

Get Lucas or genuine!!!

Other than that no problems.

They are interchangable so make sure you get the right ones in the right place. Other tips. I antiseize my bleed screws but do what you want with that just don't overtighten.

Check the drums for spec before the new pads. Make sure to get the spring back in the right place. Might want to replace the springs if they look old.

Thats about it.

Ron

PS if they are not that bad there is no reason not to rebuild.