Take the calipers apart...carefully clean out the rust, etc. The
pistons are hard to replace because of the tight fit with the new
seals you have installed, which includes the dust covers. I've
literally had to mallet (rubber) them into place. Generally, it is my
impression that as long as the pistons float freely in the calipers
and are not scarred where damage to the seals could occur, minor
imperfections on the caliper walls shouldn't be a problem...but
cleanliness next to ....
Cheers!
PMQ
73 TR-6
72 GT-6
69 GT-6+ (2)
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Caliper Pistons Problem
Author: "Vincenti, Ross" <VINCENR@transamerica.com> at smtpgate
Date: 10/3/96 9:58 AM
I did not add a type designation to this inquiry because it crosses all
Triumph cars with front disc brakes.
I am in the process of rebuilding the front calipers for my Mk I Spitfire.
Everything is apart (and, NO, I did not unbolt the two caliper halves -
they are still together) and has been cleaned, etc. There was some rust on
the pistons, which cleaned off completely with brake fluid and a good hard
rubbing with a rag.
My problem is with the cylinders that the pistons fit into. There is some
rust on the cylinder walls (not much, but it is noticeable and I can feel it
with a fingernail), and there is a bit more rust on the area of the cylinder
that is just outside of the rubber dust seal gasket. I have tried to clean
this off as best as possible using only brake fluid per the Bentley, Haynes
and Autopress manuals, but it some of it remains. The other problem is that
I tried to fit the pistons back into the cylinders but no luck. They simply
will not go back in. Any help would be appreciated as to (1) what to do
about the rust and (2) how to force the pistons back into their respective
cylinders. Thanks to all in advance.
Ross D. Vincenti
64 Spitfire 4 (undergoing surgery)
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