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Brake Unsticking and Cleaning Recommendations
Posted:
Sat Sep 17, 2005 9:52 pm
by 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)
Brake Unsticking and Cleaning Recommendations
Posted:
Sat Sep 17, 2005 10:09 pm
by 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
Brake Unsticking and Cleaning Recommendations
Posted:
Sat Sep 17, 2005 10:54 pm
by 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
Brake Unsticking and Cleaning Recommendations
Posted:
Sat Sep 17, 2005 11:31 pm
by 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
Sticking calipers
Posted:
Sun Sep 18, 2005 2:58 am
by 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.
Brake Unsticking and Cleaning Recommendations
Posted:
Sun Sep 18, 2005 9:50 am
by 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)