Brake Unsticking and Cleaning Recommendations

[Perk1518]

Before I get the Elan to go - I think it would be prudent to make sure
it can stop first. . .

I've got the Elan up in the air with the wheels off - and the brakes
are dragging on all four corners. What are the recommendations of this
group for cleaning these things up and getting the pistons un-stuck?

Steam? Taking them off the car and dipping them in some wondrous
solution?

I intend to replace all the brake fluid anyway.

Paul
(BOJ)

[RickPierce]

Paul
Personally I think you need to rebuild all four calipers using new seals
and possibly caliper pistons.You may be able to free them up but they are
sticking for a reason.

Rick

[Frank Howard]

Paul,

Mine always stick after six months storage. A drive around the block usually
cures them. If they are still stuck, then a piston is jammed and you will
have to rebuild the caliper(s).

Frank Howard
'71 S4 SE
Minnesota

[Perk1518]

Frank,

That'd be great. So I think, on Monday, I'll try and unstick the clutch first - then sneak out with it for a dew mionutes to see If I can get the brakes to behave. . .

Paul
72 Eland Sprint DHC




-----Original Message-----
From: ***@***.***
Sent: Sep 17, 2005 6:53 PM
To: ***@***.***, ***@***.***
Subject: Re: [LotusElan.net] Brake Unsticking and Cleaning Recommendations

Paul,

Mine always stick after six months storage. A drive around the block usually
cures them. If they are still stuck, then a piston is jammed and you will
have to rebuild the caliper(s).

Frank Howard
'71 S4 SE
Minnesota

[gwnorth68]

Caliper pistons stick all the time after a period of non-use.
-remove the brake pads on one caliper
-stick something about the same thickness as a pad to replace one brake pad
-have someone who doesn't mind being yelled at push on the brake pedal while you closely observe the piston movement
-when brake pressure moves the piston, lever it back as far as it goes and repeat a few times
--replace the pad and repeat on the other piston of the same caliper
-repeat on the other caliper (or all 4 if you're uncertain whether they're ok)

Cautions:-don't pop a piston or you'll have to rebuild the caliper
-if the exposed piston is all rusty and flaking and horrible, consider rebuilding the caliper. However it is surprising how well a grungy caliper piston will function sometimes.
-obviously if these activities have generated any brake fluid leakage the caliper must be rebuilt.

Remember: the brakes aren't very important, you only use them a small fraction of the time you're driving.

[Perk1518]

" Remember: the brakes aren't very important, you only use them a small fraction of the time you're driving."
-- Tom Moore

ROTFLMAO !!!!!!!


Paul C. Perkins
(BOJ)