TR2/3/3A 'A' type Front calipers, TR3 vendor???

[bwest]

I noticed a leak from the bleedscrew on my front caliper, I'd used a heli-coil to repair
some bad threads years ago,, but unfortunately a recent conversion to
silicone fluid ( and subsequent brake bleeding) resulted in a small but persistant leak.
None of the major vendors seem to stock these, and it's prime drive season so an
elaborate swap to Toyota (or others) calipers would chew up valuable driving time.
It's unlikely that I'd be able to get a core credit ( because of the helicoil repair) so
does picking up a 'cheapie' on Flea-Bay and having someone ( WhitePost perhaps?)
rebuild it seem like the best path?
thanks
BW

 

[TR3driver]

TRF seems to have rebuilds in stock; core charge is only $50 if they refuse your core. That's the way I'd go, if I couldn't fix the bleed screw myself.

Or, if you just want to get back on the road ASAP, I might try dropping a suitable bearing ball into the hole, and running a bolt down on top of it. Messy to bleed, but a very good chance of sealing. If it doesn't seal the first time, use a punch and BFH to tap on the ball, to form a new seat in the caliper.

 

[bwest]

Just contacted TRF, they didn't show any calipers on the website, and 'Chuck' at TRF confirmed they don't sell
them. Used to,,, but they closed the rebuild shop so,.... ugh...
Any other suggestions? I'm amazed that a part like that would be un-supported, while they appear to have every other piece..
Strange world...
BW

 

[Merlin63Tr4]

Try Rimmer Brothers, not cheap....

M.

 

[Geo Hahn]

... might try dropping a suitable bearing ball into the hole, and running a bolt down on top of it...

I had to do this with a (non-TR) remote bleeder set-up that would not seal perfectly with any bleeder I could find. Instead of a bolt I used a modified bleeder: pointy end ground off and a notch added:

Works just like a 'normal' bleeder.

Some British cars used ball bearings in the original bleeders.

BTW - That is a small magnet on the open end of the bleeder to hold the ball bearing in place during installation.

 

[sp53]

excellent idea

 

[carpecursusII]

I think I have a whole rebuilt caliper on my shelf. Which side do you need?

 

[Sarastro]

Ummm...at the risk of suggesting the obvious, did you try a new bleed nipple? It might be just that the sealing end of the nipple is a little bunged up.

Clever trick with the ball bearing, though.