In a message dated 8/26/00 7:52:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
spritenut@Exit109.com writes:
<< Or is it the quality of todays parts?
I learned to always specify Lcokheed OEM kits or cylinders.
But out of the 3, 1 works great, 2 need a pump, all have Lockheed parts
and all are relativly new >>
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An interesting analysis, Frank. My '77 Midget has what is probably closest
to the brake system in Pieces. Dual brake lines, etc. I have braided brake
hoses installed, a rebuilt MC from Advance, I rebuilt my calipers with
Lockheed parts, replaced the rear cylinders and all the brake pipes with new,
and I use Castrol GT LMA.
My pedal does not need to be pumped. It goes down about half way and then
the brakes work. It certainly doesn't feel like the power brakes on my
Mitsubishi (which take a little getting used to after driving the Midget all
weekend!), but they aren't really what I would call spongy. I autocross the
car and they are certainly adequate, and on the road I feel safe knowing the
car only weighs about 1900 lbs.
After I installed all the brake parts, the pedal was a bit spongy. I took
the car for inspection and the shop re-bled the brakes, which made a
noticeable difference. I know that you know how to bleed brakes, so I am not
saying that is the problem, but if you have to pump the brake pedal, it
sounds like air in the system. Pumping the pedal brakes up the air bubble
into little bubbles (it makes the fluid foam a bit) and that gives you more
feel to the pedal.
At least, that's my guess.
Allen Hefner
SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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