Brake rebuild recommendations

[Belair62]

Hey....it was metric brake fluid..how was I supposed to know...

[budnate]

Bill its probably a combination of things..the return springs may be week and the shoes a little out of adjustment...the shoes can get grabby when the springs are not holding them tight and they will bind up...how are your fingers??? bet that wheel was really moving when it took off on ya...when I worked at the dealer in the used cars... almost all the cars ended up with new brakes before we sold them on the lot...man I did a lot of jobs and sucked more brake dust than I should have back then...where the heck was osha...hope to make it to 75....

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
how are your fingers??? bet that wheel was really moving when it took off on ya

[/ QUOTE ]

Luckily, I was only in a parking lot at about 5 mph when it happened but the wheel did zip right out of my hands. I don't grip the wheel so as soon as I felt what was happening I let up on the wheel and the car simultaneously lurched to a stop. As I said, I was thankful that I wasn't clipping along the avenue at 35 when it happened! Then it would have been brakes AND new front sheet metal, etc.

I'm going to replace the cylinders and springs, adjust them, and put new silicone* fluid in. From what I've read from you guys so far I think that might do the trick.

Any pros/cons on silicone brake fluid. I saw it offered on Rick's 1st Gen site.

[Seattle Sam]

Hey Bill,
I loaded silicon fluid into Sue's car a couple of years ago. Here are some past discussions about DOT-5 (silicon) brake fluid.

sYc Technical and Resto may 2004

sYc Technical and Resto December 02

sYc Technica and Resto October 02

Good Luck!
-Sam

[68l30]

Change the rubber line at the frame to caliper/cylinder.It is not releasing.......


Steve

[427TJ]

Sam: Fascinating reading and very helpful, thank you. I didn't know there was so much to know about brake fluid.

Steve: Yep, I'm gonna' replace the hoses (and the cylinders and the springs and adjusters, etc.). The more I read from y'all the more it sounds like the line swelled and wasn't allowing the brake to release.

[427TJ]

Looks like a leaking wheel cylinder was causing the right front to lock-up. I'm thinking of getting the rebuild kit from PST that has metallic linings, new wheel cylinders, hoses, springs, etc. Anyone have experience with PST?