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Triumph TR6 - brake cylinder rebuild

Hi Guys; Just noticed a pool of brake fluid below my right rear tire. I think the last rebuild I did on a wheel cylinder was on a 1948 Ford. That was about 1958. Are there any major pitfalls I need to look out for? I thought I'd just get the kit from Moss and go from there.
Joel

Joel-The biggest pain with the wheel cyl. is replacing the clips that hold it in place. You might get by just replacing the seal and honing the cyl if it isn't scored. If you act fast (Oct. 5), TRF has the kits and cyl on sale, and offer free shipping.
Berry

Thanks Berry. I guess I'll go ahead and try to get by with the seals. I guess just the regular three headed hone will work on that huh?
Joel

I would not bother rebuilding the cylinder, most cases than not, it is seized or pitted substantially beyond repair. A new cyl is not that expensive as compared to other brake parts. I do not believe that it can not be honed as it is made of Aluminum that has a special treatment and once honed this finish is gone and corrosion will be accelerated thus wear out the seals within a couple of months/weeks. The same problem exist for the clutch master which is also made of Aluminum.
Rebuild calipers, master cyl, re-surface rotors and drums but replace rear cylinders as a general rule. If you take them apart and there is no scoring, corrosion or pitting then go ahead and rebuild.

The pool of fluid also could be a leaking brake line or ruptured flex line. It is a good idea considering that the newest car is 26 years old that the original flex lines are beyond their service life and more likely bording on dangerous. Rubber does not last forever.
Steven

Steven-What is this "special treatment" that aluminum cyls. have? I have found that the cheap hones that use emery cloth (use 600 grit or finer for finishing)works quite well on Aluminum. Mounting the cyls in a lathe makes it easier, if one is available. I would agree that replacing the wheel cyls. is a better option, but might consider trying to honing before ordering parts, if not heavily scored (I don't think aluminum pits).
Berry

Steven; Thanks for the input. I was just looking at that clip arrangement for the WC. Looks like a Gordian Knot. I think I'll tear it down and see what the cylinder looks like and decide from there.
Joel

This thread was discussed between 04/10/2002 and 05/10/2002

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