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Re: Brake Problems

To: healeys@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Brake Problems
From: "R. Cobb" <rcobb@earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2005 14:14:50 -0500
Fred,
A few years ago I had a brake cylinder fail shortly after installing new
brake shoes on my BJ8.  Since the shoes were new I didn't want to
replace them, even though they were saturated with brake fluid.

After cleaning the shoes with brake cleaner and reinstalling them I
found that that brake drum would lock-up.

I researched some old auto mechanics books and found a solution that
worked for me: heat the contaminated brake shoes in an oven to bake (and
drive) the fluid out of the porous lining.  Periodically wipe the
"weeping" fluid from the shoe surfaces.

The only caution that I make is that you make sure that it's okay with
the owner/operator of the oven, because there may be some odor!

Good luck.
R. Cobb
-------------------------

Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2005 09:27:02 +0200
From: "Frenken, Eric" <efrenken@lctax.de>
Subject: RE: Brake problems

Fred, had the same problem lately. Put in two new cylinders, cleaned the
shoes and the brake drum with brake cleaner, lightly roughened the shoes
with sandpaper and adjusted the brakes. Braking action more than
satisfactory.

Eric  BT7
Heinsberg/Germany


- -----Urspr|ngliche Nachricht-----
Von: Fred Wescoe [mailto:fredwescoe@earthlink.net]
Gesendet: Donnerstag, 29. September 2005 01:22
An: Healey List
Betreff: Brake problems


Took the Healey out for a run today and discovered that the brake pedal
was
soft. Upon returning home, I found an oil spot on the garage floor,
under the
right rear wheel. I pulled the wheel and brake drum and discovered the
shoes
and drum were covered in brake fluid. The cylinder was leaking.

Fortunately, I have a set of replacement rear cylinders that I purchased
last
year and simply did not get them installed as yet.

The question now is, do I replace the set of shoes or can I clean them
with
brake cleaner? Same question for the drum. If I have to replace the
shoes, I
guess I should replace both sides at the same time?

While trying to remove the brake line from the cylinder, the flare nut
crumbled and now there is nothing to grip so, I must also replace the
brake
line but I cannot break it loose from the 3 way connection. Before I
ruin that
fitting, any suggestions on how to remove the flare nut without rounding
it
over or breaking it off?

Who is a good source for the parts, as the list of needed parts will
increase
I am sure.

Thanks,

Fred

BJ7




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