Erich
I would start by checking and bleeding the rear brakes. Also check
the fluid for contamination, any contamination means a seal has probably
failed somewhere in the system. Then go the front brakes; check and bleed
them.
I'm a firm believer that the brakes on any car need to be checked
and bleed at least some every year and sometimes twice a year.
You should be able to get good metallic pads from the Sunbeam parts
suppliers or from Foreign Auto parts store.
Ron Fraser
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-tigers@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-tigers@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Kathy and Erich Coiner
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 10:43 PM
To: Tiger List
Subject: Tiger brakes.
I just returned on Monday from the drive up to Monterey Ca for the Historic
races. More on that in another email.
Twice on the trip my Tiger had a soft spongy brake pedal. The first time was
after the car sat all night. During the day the pedal had been firm and the
brakes working well on some very twisty roads.
The master cylinder was full of fluid. The fluid was replaced about 1 year
ago. I bled one front caliper just a little and the pedal was firm. I bled
the other for good measure. The brakes worked great for the next 3 days,
including some fast work on Hwy1
On Sunday am I drove from my hotel over to a friends hotel. 5 minutes later
we got in the car and the pedal was soft! On both occassions I could pump
the pedal 2 or 3 times and get a firm pedal for one application. Bled the
brakes again and they were fine.
What is going on here?
One theory is the caliper has some corrosion pits that are allowing air to
suck past the seals when the pressure is released.
I am thinking it is brake rebuild time.
Which brings up the next question.
Where do I get some good pads and shoes for stock sized brakes? My driving
style is regular street with occasional spirited back country road driving.
Oh yes, autocrossing once a year at Tigers United is included. I will not
be open tracking this car so I don't need racing pads that work great when
hot. I need pads that work well cold or at moderate temps.
Bring on the suggestions.
Erich
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.740 / Virus Database: 494 - Release Date: 8/16/2004
|