The blue sticky stuff is a substitute for the missing anti-squeal shims.
It's purpose is the same, and you can leave it there.
As far as checking the master cylinder for proper operation and no binding
of the brakes, I would not drain out the fluid -- you'll just have to
bleed the system again. Just jack up the car and check to see if the wheel
turns freely with the brakes off. A slight drag is normal, since the
caliper pistons do not have any kind of positive return mechanism, such as
a spring.
Steve Byers
Havelock, NC USA
'73 Midget GAN5UD126009G "OO NINE"
"It is better to remain silent, and be thought a fool
than to speak, and remove all doubt" -- Mark Twain
----------
> From: Philip Hubbard <phubbard@carroll.com>
> To: mgs@Autox.Team.Net
> Cc: spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
> Subject: More Brakes - Blue Sticky Substance?
> Date: Sunday, July 12, 1998 10:55 AM
>
> Fellow listers,
>
> I've been blessed with some good advice on the list lately concerning my
> brakes. Acting on some of that advice, I decided to check the easiest
> thing first - are my brake pads getting free movement in the caliper
> assembly so that they can retract.
>
> After pulling out the pads on the driver's side I found a blue sticky
> substance spread thinly and evenly over the entire back of both pads. A
> tiny amount also had gotten on the lip of one of the pistons. What the
> heck is this stuff and should it be there? I didn't put the pads in -
the
> shop who rebuilt my calipers did that for me. In my lack of experience
I'd
> say that the stuff looks like that gasket maker stuff. I can't believe
> that such a sticky substance should be near my calipers.
>
> Also, I have no anti-squeal shims as part of my assembly. I think the
pads
> I bought were supposed to have some built in anti-squeal. Unfortunately
I
> threw away the box already. In any case, I haven't detected a squeal
yet. :)
>
> Lastly for now. To check the master cylinder push rod to ensure that
> pressure can be relieved when I release the brake pedal and therefore not
> cause my brakes to bind, I assume I have to drain the brake fluid out
> completely first. Not good enough to just suck it out of the reservoir -
> this would leave too much fluid in the area of the push rod, no?
>
> Thanks a million for all the help. I've stopped for the moment until I
> understand the mystery of the blue sticky substance.
>
> Philip
> Burgundy 1974 Midget
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