Hi David,
That is a weird one. If its not leaking at either the MC or the wheels,
then there must be a break somewhere in the lines, caused by maybe a rock or
something. I know on my Sprite that the line to the rear runs through the
tranny tunnel, and if the break were in there, you really wouldn't see any
spilled fluid.
As for the wheel studs, I feel your pain. Yes, the dodo heads do over
torque the nuts with an air gun and cause studs to break. I've had that
happen many times, even when I request that they do it by hand. Since
you've got to pull the hubs anyway, you might as well replace all of them
while you are at it. Because if one broke, the others are suspect.
Greg Gowins
'69 Sprite
Dublin, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-spridgets@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-spridgets@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Lancer7676@aol.com
Sent: Friday, October 15, 1999 3:31 AM
To: Spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: A couple of Problems.
I had a couple of problems develop yesterday with my '79 Midget. I noticed
on the drive from work that the brake pedal was lower and harder than usual
so I decided to check it out as soon as I arrived home. Popped the hood and
sure enough, the rear MC reservoir was completely empty and the forward res.
was only half full. Checked around the MC for leakage--none apparant.
Pulled the front wheels first--no leakage from the calipers that I could
see--everything dry. Pulled the rear wheels--there was some dampness
around
the passenger side wheel but none that I could see around the wheel
cylinder.
Neither on the driver's side. There WAS a very small amount of black
grease
that probably seeped from the axle housing, but there was no wetness around
the wheel cylinders, which, by the way, I had rebuilt within the past year.
While I had the rear wheels off I looked at the hose connections above the
axle housing--didnt see anything there.
Filled the MC reservoir and bled the rear lines--topped everything up and
got
back the brake pedal--it feels good now. I can't figure out where the fluid
leaked from. I figure I will closely monitor the brake fluid levels and see
how quickly it leaves. Any ideas will be appreciated.
Now--another problem that developed. In replacing BOTH front wheels, and
tightening the lug nuts with arm strength only, no body weight at all, I
snapped off 1 lug bolt per wheel. I called my mechanic who has a supply of
bolts, and he said that was from fools (DPO, not me) putting the wheels back
on with Air wrenches. They apply too much torque and will eventually break
the lugs. Soooo--I am wondering whether I should replace ALL the lug bolts,
not knowing how many others might be stressed by some fool with an air
weapon. If they snap with only ARM strength, might they snapas well in a
tight curve at 55 mph? Something to thinkabout for all of us!
----David C.
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