Definately rebuild the rear also. If you've got gunk in the front, I'll bet
it's also in the rear. You should also consider replacing the rubber brake
lines.
I've always used a fresh, unopened can of brake fluid for flushing the
system. A quality DOT3 like Castrol LMA is fine. DOT4 is also compatable
with DOT3. It has a higher boiling point and absorbs less moisture, but it
is MUCH more hazardous to paint.
My experience with DOT5 (silicone) brake fluid is limited, but all bad. Two
weeks after I changed over to DOT5, I was picking pieces of master cylinder
seals out of my front calipers!
-----Original Message-----
From: Bart Niswonger <bart@cs.washington.edu>
To: mgs@autox.team.net <mgs@autox.team.net>
Date: Monday, February 21, 2000 6:51 PM
Subject: brake flush or rebuild?
>Howdy -- I am in the process of fixing up the brakes on my 74 1/2 RBB.
>Nothing was seriously wrong, just getting ready for a long trip. This
>is my first time going through this process, and I have some
>questions.
>
>I was planning on replacing all the rubber hoses, rebuilding the front
>calipers and replacing pads & rotors, i.e. leaving the back alone.
>
>When I opened up the calipers I found about a 1/4 inch of gunk in the
>bottom. Is this normal?
>
>Given that there is gunk in the calipers, it seems reasonable that
>there is gunk in the MC, in the lines, and in rear brakes. Should I
>rebuild them too? How can I flush the lines? What should I flush
>them with?
>
>I really appreciate all the sage advice that flows on this list.
>Brakes are a popular topic, with many differing opinions, which is
>what I think is really valuable - so many voices. I haven't seen
>anything to answer my questions exactly, and I am hoping I can spur a
>bit of a debate from you!
>
|