I've set about replacing the rear brake shoes, wheel cylinders, and
rear brake hose on my '73 Midget. The front brake pads still look
good and have stainless hoses installed so I'm hoping for no work at
the front.
I've read some of the merits of DOT-4 and DOT-5 fluids. I'm assuming
it's using DOT-3 now - is there any way to tell?
>From what I've read it appears that changing to DOT-5 would require
refitting the entire brake system since the fluids are not compatible
with each other, so I'm planning to use DOT-4. Do I somehow try to
ensure all of the DOT-3 has been removed (blowing air down the lines
or something?) or is it simply a matter of draining out what you can
easily get, and then hoping to purge the rest when bleeding the
brakes?
I let the car sit overnight with the brake drums removed and find that
I have a small leakage of fluid from the ends of the axles. I'm
guessing this means leaking seals at the hubs ... correct?
Seeing in the Haynes manual that you have to pull the half-shafts to
replace the seals I'm guessing I might as well replace the 34-year-old
wheel bearings while I'm at it.
I've never attempted anything like that before ... any special tools I
need? Am I correct in assuming this is fairly straight forward and an
easy "at home" repair or should I farm it out?
Also, I thought I'd lube the u-joints in the drive shaft and can see
that the rear one needs replaced immediately (and didn't have a grease
zerk anyway). How do I access the front u-joint for inspection and/or
replacement??
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