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MG TD TF 1500 - Silicon compatible brake rubber

Hi, does anybody know where I can purchase brake master cylinder seals for the TF that wont swell up when used with silicone brake fluid? I bought some from BG (I think) and now I belive these have swollen like the last set that were in.

Thanks guys!

PS was out in TF here in north of Scotland last week - Freezing but well worth it! (couldn't wait till spring.)

Ian.
Ian

Ian - Silicone fluid is compatible with all rubber or synthetic seals in the brake systems. What needs to be done when switching to silicone fluids is to completely clean any residual DOT 3 or 4 fluid from the system, suing a product similar to CRC Brake Kleen, insure taht all the fluid and cleaner are out of the lines and cylinders and the interior of the lines and cylinders are dry. Then all of the seals that have been in contact with the old fluid have to be changed out for new components and only then should the silicone fluid be added. Apparently the seals to absorb a small amount of the brake fluid and the mixing of the two fluids cause a problem with swelling. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

Ian --- When I did my beloved TD I was doing a full restoration of a very badly abused car. So all brake system parts were new (except castings)I filled the system with Silicon fluid and in a month had problems with the wheel cylinders. Went down to the local auto parts emporium and bought their standard 7/8" rubber cups which appear to be neoprene. No troubles since. The original kits came from Moss,I think,and were manufactured in England. I have always suspected that they were made of real rubber and thats why they swelled up. The neoprene seems to work real good with silicon fluid.
Think Spring,

Bob
R. K. (Bob) Jeffers

Ian,
I just completed a job similar to what you describe. I cleaned all of the line with brake cleaner, and then replaced the wheel cylinders and master cylinder with new parts, using silicone fluid instead of DOT4. They appear to be working fine.
As David mentions, you have to clean all of the old fluid out first.
Good Luck,
Cleve
Cleve

Thanks for the posts guys. The car has had silicone in the system for about 15 years!! The system was also cleened before it was installed, all the wheel cylinders are fine. I will get some neoprene ones from moss!

Happy MotorinG,

Ian.
Ian

This thread was discussed between 18/01/2006 and 20/01/2006

MG TD TF 1500 index

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