[TR] TR3A Cylinder

[Scott Suhring]

Randal:

I did not get your email, but a friend on the list sent me a comment. I am
pasting it below.  Moss catalog has it listed as part #45 on page 58, and
shows it as NA. It is called a "Distance Washer" but as you noted, it does
not resemble a washer, but rather a "U" shaped piece of metal. The repair
manual's instructions for removal and refitting the cylinder do not mention
this piece, only the spring plate and the locking plate. As you noted, if I
do not fit the spring washer, there is plenty of play to allow the cylinder
to mover easily by hand, but with the spring washer on, it is tight and will
not move by hand. I guess what you are saying is I should use the "washer".
Thanks.

Scott Suhring
Mechanicsburg, PA
'70 TR6
'59 TR3

> When installing the rear wheel cylinder (Girling brake) for a
> '59 TR3A, do you use the distance washer or not?

What "distance washer" is that, Scott?  One of the 3 pieces that hold the
cylinder to the back plate is called a "distance piece".  But it's a
U-shaped piece of flat metal, not what I would call a washer.  If it's not
mentioned in the manuals, where is it mentioned; or where did you get it?

> What got me thinking with the
> replacement is that without the spacer, the cylinder slides fairly 
> easily and with the spacer, it is very tight.

I believe it is supposed to be quite tight on the backplate, too tight to
slide by hand.  At least mine have always been that way, and they seem to
work well.  I would guess that the cylinder is supposed to move only under
fairly high force, so that it deflects somewhat when the brakes are applied
and then springs back just a bit, so the trailing shoe doesn't drag all the
time.

Randall