[TR] TR 4 Brakes

[Brian Jones]

I had previously considered - emailing/thinking aloud really - about  
adding a servo to my TR4. Randall had advised that this was  
unnecessary if the brakes are 'up to snuff' (my term).

Well, due to family engagements one way or another I was able to find  
some garage time this holiday weekend. A full tune up, polarity  
reversal, and the addition of a tasteful third brake light (very happy  
with that, I must post images for you) and a rear brake overhaul  
filled my weekend. I had previously rebuilt my calipers with new  
seals, new stainless pistons, new pads, and stainless steel flexible  
hose. This weekend I went at the rears. For removing the brake drums,  
I had read of issues getting the screws out, let alone getting the  
drums off. I am happy to report that I had none of the issues I had  
been girding myself for.

Result: Wheels off. Screws in good condition; all removed at my first  
attempt. My brakes were then adjusted to their withdrawn limit, and  
the drum on each side just lifted off. Both drums were smooth, non- 
scored, unpitted smooth, clean steel, no lip, and only with tons of  
brake dust in each drum, yet plenty of pad left on the shoes. I was  
pleased. Much scrubbing of the rusted outer, visible side of the brake  
drums ensued, with several coats of black semigloss brake enamel to  
follow, and then they went back together. After a full bleed (pretty  
much a fluid replacement exercise) of all four wheels starting with  
the farthest from the M/C, I followed with the VTR handbrake  
adjustment method:

1. 3 clicks on the handbrake to position both shoes
2. Adjust wheels to snug (rubbing sound OK as  long as wheel turns  
'freely'.

Failing to half-apply the handbrake leaves you adjusting just the one  
shoe (this I had done previously). Bringing both to bear for the  
adjustment makes a world of difference.

I also added the last stainless steel flexible hose from my original  
brake overhaul kit to replace the rear rubber flexible hose, and the  
combination of front and rear refurbishments, and bleeding, provides  
me with a really firm brake pedal, a short acting brake lever, and  
both feel REALLY positive - more than I had imagined was possible,  
actually.

I can really stop pretty sharply now, rather than have to plan for a  
second, firmer press, as before.

Right gain, Randall............

Cheers, all,

Brian