As you know, conventional DOT4 brake fluid is cheap and is also an excellent paint remover. The conventional fluid will disappear, while the Silicone will not mix. For you metric system guys, that is about a shot glass full. If you are not sure of what is in your system, add a few drops of the fluid to an ounce of water. These are the only fluids that this writer recommends, so don’t you dare use anything else! Most conventional brake fluids are nearly clear, while Silicone fluids are often purple or some other queer color. Speaking of brake fluid, let’s talk about Castrol LMA verses Silicone. This is pretty easy if the reservoir is attached and you are able to get brake fluid into the bore. You may be able to plug the brake line orifice with a spare bleed screw and test the cylinder’s ability to hold pressure. Press the piston into the bore slightly, and the passage should be sealed off.
Triumph tr3a brake fluid manual#
You might want to look in the repair manual before getting too carried away! After reassembling the master cylinder, blow into the reservoir or reservoir line to be sure that the passage to the master cylinder bore is open when the piston is “at rest”. Follow the same procedure as with wheel cylinders, although you will find that master cylinders are more complicated. Press on the pedal and watch the level in the reservoir to identify this potential problem.Ī car that has been sitting for a long time will probably have serious pitting in the cylinder bore, while the cylinder from a runner will be the best candidate for rebuilding. A leak here will cause some of the fluid to escape when the brakes are applied. Pay careful attention to the surface at the end of the bore that seals off the reservoir. Just be sure that the cylinder bore is smooth and rust free. If you chose to recycle, repair kits are available for next to nothing. Unless you are a glutton for punishment, a brand spanking new one is the way to go. Of course, no brake job is complete until the master cylinder has been taken care of. Brake rotors often need changing due to wear or warping, and replacements are fairly cheap. Some styles of booster can be rebuilt at home, but a new unit, or at least one that has been professionally overhauled is probably best. …but now all four wheels have as-new brakes!īrake boosters may need some attention, and a brand new one will almost certainly improve braking.