Tech Tip – Spring Brake Tech Article

By R. B. Hart

Freshly tuned carburettors, proper running adjustments, an oil and filter change; these are just the start of a successful driving season Making sure that your car will stop is probably the most important part of the Spring maintenance routine This year, why not give your car a thorough brake safety check?

Excessive pedal travel and/or excessive handbrake movement indicates an overdue adjustment or the need for new pads or shoes.

Sticky wheel cylinder pistons or incorrect master cylinder push rod adjustment will result in a’dead’ feeling pedal. Air in the system is the most common cause of ‘spongy’ pedal. These are the most common of storage-related brake problems.

An obvious serious brake problem is indicated by the abnormal loss of fluid once the car is put in service. Do not just keep on filling the reservoir, clean and tighten the brake fluid connections. Look for fluid seeping out of the cylinder seals. Pay special attention to the master cylinder. If wheel cylinders leak into the brake assembly, the fluid quickly ruins the shoes.

Leaky rear oil seals are also a prime source of brake contamination. Often, both leaky wheel cylinders and oil seals rob your stopping safety. Determine the culprit and correct the problem.

Shoes that have been soaked with brake fluid and oil may sometimes be reclaimed with a proprietary brake cleaner, but it is usually necessary to replace them, as rear end oil will soften the friction material, greatly reducing its efficiency and safety.

As brake fluid is susceptible to water contamination, it is essential to bleed the brake system once a year. Worn seals will allow air to enter the system without a sign of fluid leak. The need for repeated bleedings is a sure indicator of this fault.

Absolute cleanliness is essential when servicing brake systems. Be sure that the master cylinder top is clean before it is opened so no dirt or grit enters the system. Small rubber caps (Moss #031-300) are available to cover bleed screws, and are an inexpensive and convenient way to keep dirt out of the bleeders. Wash the backplanes and any other gritty areas before anything is disassembled for service. Remove the drums and clean the parts with brake cleaner or soap and hot water. Do not use an air blast to clean brake assemblies. The asbestos particles are a proven carcinogen. Do not handle the clean parts with dirty hands.

Carefully inspect the cylinder bores. Units having rust pits, score marks, and ‘rings’ left by corrosion must be replaced. Internal parts must also be in good order. Disc brake pistons that are rusted or corroded will not hold a seal, nor will plungers and pistons that are scored, or worn on one side.

Examine the rubber hydraulic hoses. The connections to the metal piping are commonly covered in grease. This area should be kept clean so any indication of cracking or swelling can be observed. An uncommon problem with rubber hydraulic hoses occurs when the inside of the hose swells and cuts off the fluid flow. No problem is apparent on the outside. If you are bleeding the system and no air or fluid passes from the cylinder in question, consider removing the rubber hose for close inspection.

It is preferable to visually inspect front drum brake systems where two cylinders are used. Back off the adjusters to permit the removal of the drum. Get a helper to push the pedal gently. Observe the action of the cylinders pistons. Only one cylinder may be working, while the other may be stuck. That will stop the wheel, but not very well If the cylinder does not retract fully when pressure is released, you can see right away that it will have to be rebuilt.

1. Excessive pedal travel indicates an overdue adjustment or the need for new pads or shoes.
2. A damp backing plate or dripping between drum and backing plate indicate trouble.
3. Check cylinder seals for fluid leaks and oil seals for gear oil seepage.

TECH TIP: Stuck pistons can be forced from cylinders by air pressure. Clean the cylinder, remove corrosion from the exposed bore. Use an air nozzle to force air into the cylinder, covering the open end with a rag to prevent damage from flying pistons, seals etc.