Blake,
Your thoughts about maintenance are good, yet even one who considers
himself reasonably careful can get caught up with hidden problems.
Example--two weeks ago a rear brake line on my truck rusted out. I do the
oil, filter and grease jobs myself, because I want to know that all the
work is done and also to take a look around underneath the truck. Not a
month before, I had observed how bright and shiny all the metal brake
lines appeared. The line failed in an area where it was in contact with
the chassis rail, somewhat concealed from view by the fuel tank, but the
section of the line was in apparent good order in all the areas that it
was visible. It was the area invisible and unreachable that rusted
silently away, despite the waxoyl sprayed on the chassis.
Yes, any failure of that sort is caused by negligence, but few would
anticipate a blowout on a line when all but about six inches appeared as
good as new. I was rather glad that the truck did have a dual chamber
master cylinder.
Bob
On Mon, 19 Aug 2002 20:30:21 -0500 Bullwinkle <yd3@nvc.net> writes:
> bilking@comcast.net
>
> I sure hope you meant "Comments welcome"
>
> <<<snip>>>
> converted the single circuit master cylinder to a dual circuit
> <<<snip>>>
>
> FWIW:
>
> Why? Any LBC owner suffer catastrophic failure? Brake failure is
> usually a matter of negligence in regards to maintenance.
>
> The MGA manual recommends checking the brake fluid level every 1000
> miles. That will tell you if you're loosing brake fluid. Fluid
> loss is
> probably the major cause of why cars suffer from no brakes.
> Actually
> fluid loss is an effect rather than a cause. The cause is really
> leaky
> hoses or cylinder seals
>
> If the brake system is completely bled every couple of years as
> should
> be done, then a visual inspection of the lines will at the same time
> will determine any brake hose deterioration or line chaffing.
>
> NTSA required the dual system because too many owners weren't
> maintaining their vehicles. How many people today inspect their
> cars or
> check tire pressures, battery level, fluid levels, or even listen to
> the
> noises. Most just pour in the gas and go.
>
> Blake
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