I've even seen NOS bearings still in the factory wax paper and cosmoline that
once the cosmoline was removed there was rust and pits in the bearing surface.
And this on a set that had never been opened once they left the factory. They
were over forty years old though, and for an MG.
Shawn J. Loseke
1972 TR6
Fort Collins, CO
>===== Original Message From "Kai M. Radicke" <kradicke@wishboneclassics.com>
=====
>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
>
>--
>Kai M. Radicke
>Wishbone Classics
>* British Car Parts *
>www.wbclassics.com
>Ph: 215.945.7250
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