New cylinders for the rear are not all that expensive. A complete fix quick and
easy. I bleed them with a vacuum on the bleeder, and I haven't had leak
problems. Most of the brake contamination I encountered, though, came from the
axle seals. As long as you're in there, easy to fix.
"bill b." wrote:
> Finally had the time to do some disassembly work and find that the
> left rear wheel cylinder is the culprit and the drum was awash in a
> slick combination of brake dust, brake fluid, grease and dirt.
>
> I also have noticed that the left rear wheel bleeder takes a 1/4 inch
> wrench, the right rear takes a 5/16ths inch, and of course the front
> disk brake bleeders are the larger ones but at least they are the same
> size.
>
> I will have to check further to see if the leak is at the bleeder or a
> leaky (don't say blown) seal. But even a cursory exam shows the need
> for major brake work.
>
> Ah well, at least it is winter and I will have awhile
> to work on it.
>
> Also, is there an aftermarket bleeder that fits the Sprite brakes,
> front and/or rear, that would not leak air like the originals do when
> being bled? Also, suppose that the rear bleeders are different sizes
> because the PO used a bleeder from a different auto. If so, are the
> thread count and size of bleeder compatible with other US car models?
>
> thanks, bill b. '69 Sprite
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