Bruce,
I've rebuilt 10 or 12 TR6 brake m/c's over the years and in every case they
started leaking again after 6-12 months. Maybe that says more about my ability
as a rebuilder than the general life expectancy of rebuilds, but in the last
few years I've just paid the high price of a new m/c and found they are good
for at least 5 or 6 years. At the risk of starting the DOT4-5 controversy
again(let's don't, please), my personal experience has been that silicone
gives a firmer pedal and less leakage. I'd replace the m/c and wheel cylinders
and thoroughly flush the system with DOT4 or 5. This would also be a great
time to rebuild your calipers and replace the shoes. Then you can have the
peace of mind that your brake system will be safe and effective for another
5-10 years.
These comments are made from a TR6 perspective, as I have no experience with
Stags.
Jim Davis
Fortson, GA
CF38690UO
CF37325U
Bruce Krobusek wrote:
> Listers:
>
> Towards the end of our first day trip with the wife's Stag (aka the Exxon
> Valdez) I noticed that the brakes got soft in traffic. For instance, if we
> were creeping in traffic, constantly partially letting off the brake but
> never
> quite fully releasing it, the brake pedal slowly sunk to the floor. If I
> released the brake pedal completely the typical "hardness" returned.
>
> I suspected air or water in the lines (the fluid looked awful!), so I
> flushed
> and bled the lines. However, the problem still exists. I'm now beginning
> to suspect the master cylinder as I've heard (at least for TR6s) that
> the brake fluid could creep around one of the M/C seals and move from
> one part of the M/C to the other.
>
> There is no sign of fluid loss, nor are there any signs of leaks at the
> individual brakes.
>
> Comments? Suggestions? Is this time for a new M/C, or will a rebuild
> kit do?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Bruce
>
> Bruce A. Krobusek
> '83 BMW R80RT
> '72 TR6 CC75665LO
> '73 Stag LE23546UBW
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