I have a 1967 Triumph Spitfire MkIII that I obtained for my first restoration project. I'm tackling the brakes first. When I disassembled the calipers I found the inside brake pad worn disproportionately more than the outside pad. It turns out the outside piston is seized. When I removed the piston from the caliper I found it was rusty and the cylinder was full of debris. Should I attempt to refurbish the caliper or just buy an all new caliper set? I'd prefer to play it safe with brakes. Also, is there a consensus on the advantages/disadvantages of switching to DOT 4 ot 5 fluid?
Over hereYou might want to check out this other forum . It's all Spitfire/GT6 related. As far as the switch from DOT4 to DOT5 boy are there opinions
My 2 cents:
Do not use Dot 5. Its a pain in the tail. The brakes never feel firm.
Take your time when you service the brakes, and all will be right with the world.
I would NOT replace the calipers. Sandblast them, inspect, and rebuild. The actual caliper rarely go bad. Its the pistons and seals, usually due to neglect.
Leo
NOHOME
Reader
3/27/11 6:33 a.m.
Pop the pucks out of the caliper bores. If there is no pitting visible in the caliper casting, re-assemble with new pucks and seals.
I run DOT 5 in all my Brit projects. Although I understand the physics of why people claim the pedal is mushy, I have never experienced the problem. I think it has more to do with people pumping the pedal like crazy when bleeding. Pedal pump should be slow and steady. Even with glycol it makes huge difference.
While DOT does not suck moisture from the air like glycol based products, it still acquires moisture and should be flushed on a bi=annual basis if you want the cylinders and lines to last forever.
I run the DOT5 ever since I refinished an engine compartment only to experience a leak in the Master Cylinder that removed all the paint from that corner of the newly restored car. So much for a very expensive paint job and a lot of work.
I use the Dot 5 in my street and race Triumphs. I used to use DOT 3 and I really don't notice a difference. All things being equal It's British, it's going to leak, save the paint, go DOT5.
mike
