[Healeys] Brake system rebuild

[Bob Spidell]

Carl,

IMO, you have to go completely through the system.  Brakes are just too 
important, and after 20 years probably all the parts will be gunked-up 
with degenerated fluid.

- Remove, clean and inspect all cylinders
- Thoroughly inspect all hard lines--if rusted consider replacing
- Go through calipers and replace pistons with stainless steel
- Check all bores--re-sleeve or replace if necessary (aluminum cylinders 
CANNOT be honed)
- Replace all rubber components, inc. flex lines
- If your M/C was gunked-up, your servo will likely be as well.  Servo 
rebuild is doable for a competent amateur (check the archives for much 
discussion).  If you don't rebuild it, it'll malfunction sooner 
(probably) or later.
- Replace vacuum line to servo and check functioning of check valve
- Your brake switch might be INOP after sitting for so long--replace if 
necessary
- If you want to use DOT 5 (I like it) you'll need to thoroughly flush 
all lines with denatured alcohol or other "dry" solvent and purge 
completely with dry compressed air (don't forget the reservoir and lines)
- I'd go through clutch cyls as well (while you're at it, install Mr. 
Finespanner's clutch bleed line extension)


bs



Carl Johnson wrote:
> I'm going through the brakes on my 20-year-sitting BJ8. Have a bunch  
> of questions if anyone has any tips/advice...
>
> <snip>
>   


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Bob Spidell         San Jose, CA        bspidell at comcast.net
'67 Austin-Healey 3000             '56 Austin-Healey 100M
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