I saw a comment about purchasing NOS, or older stock, hydraulic components
and I strongly advise that this is only a route that should be taken if the
part is no longer available, or you intend to rebuild the hydraulic cylinder
and install new seals before using it.
Even new hydraulic components over 7-10 years old should be suspect. You
cannot guarantee they were stored in a proper environment, with both
temperature and humidity controlled. Even climate control cannot stop the
degradation of natural rubber when it is exposed to the atmosphere around
it. Often times, in this business, we acquire parts through buyouts. The
first thing I do is scrap every old brake line, and assess the condition of
the older cylinders and renew seals if necessary or discard the entire unit.
The lifespan we use for a shelfed hydraulic cylinder is five years, and
after that they are typically tossed and written off. Brake hoses are also
junked after five years on the shelf. We seldom ever have this problem
though, for instance our TR6 Brake MC turnover is high enough that we sell
50-60 units a year.
I feel very strongly about this subject. Because it would be a great shame
for someone to die because they were not educated about this topic. There
is no reason to opt for a "deal" on an old cylinder when it has the
potential to shorten your life or at the very least give you a good scare
while you are driving.
A responsible vendor should always inform you about the condition of NOS or
old stock parts before you purchase them. You would be surprised how many
parts are unwrapped and found to be of less-than-new condition simply from
shelf life.
This is not saying that you must renew the hydraulic components on your
vehicle after five years. The seals and inner hoses are submerged in brake
fluid, which not only provides your pedal power but lubricates and maintains
the life of the rubber (this is why changing your fluid once every two years
is so important).
Alright, that is the end of my public service announcement ;-)
Kai
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Kai M. Radicke
Wishbone Classics
* British Car Parts *
www.wbclassics.com
Ph: 215.945.7250
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http://www.team.net/the-local/tiki-view_forum.php?forumId=8
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