Hello all,
Pondering my brake rebuild and have a few questions.
I have found conflicting information on cleaning brake parts. One
is that ONLY brake fluid (fluif) be used. Then another is that ONLY
methylated spirits be used. I was told NEVER to use alcohol near
brakes. And still another is to buy the brake cleaner in the spray can.
Thinking about this challenge, and dragging up my 20 year old
chemistry, I would consider different cleaners can be used
depending upon what level of assembly the cylinder is in. The
rubber parts are the weak link in the brake system. Petroleum
products wreak havoc on latex. (Don't use petroleum jelly with
condoms) I would guess that a cylinder with no rubber parts would
be pretty inert and would not be damaged by most solvents. The
trick would be to make sure there was no residual solvent left. How
did Girling or Lockheed clean the cylinders in the factory?
After the rubber seals are in place, protection from petroleum
would be a must. Lubrication for assembly would be provided by
brake fluid or "red brake grease". Rebuilding instructions always
mention cleanliness. But cleaning up the outside using brake fluid
would make a messy puddle.
My current plan, subject to revision, is to disassemble the
cylinder to metal only. Clean the fluid out of the inside and the crud
off the outside by using a water based solvent in an ultrasonic
cleaner. Rinse well, blow off as much surface water as possible and
bake to dry off the remainder. Inspect the cylinder for wear and
hone if necessary. Re-clean to remove the honing residue. Then
re-assemble with new rubber parts.
Thank you for comments.
Roger Colson
57 TR3 TS21383L
sassamon@mediaone.net
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