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Is this suppose to happen?

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cdsmith

cdsmith

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I took the little car out for a spin a while ago and after I got back I discovered the left front brake was dragging. Upon closer inspection it turns out the trailing wheel cylinder was frozen - this explains the hard pedal.

Yesterday was the first chance I had to take a closer look, so I removed the brake shoes and was in the process of removing the trailing wheel cylinder and I heard a thump - the leading wheel cylinders piston dropped out! Just dropped out!

As I said... Is that suppose to happen? What holds the piston in?

Now I have to decide - do I fix what I have now or do I consider disk-brake conversion... Decisions... Decisions...
cd
 
I'm not an originalist so I have no problem suggesting a disc brake conversion.

As for the wheel cylinder piston, are your brake shoes thinner or shorter than normal?
 
The brake shoes were off... As far as them being thinner or shorter - I don't have a point of reference for this..
I'm actually thinking of rebuilding the front end - it needs it. So maybe I'll keep an eye out for needed parts for disk brakes. Do everything at once.
cd
 
If you had the shoes off, all thats holding the pistons in are the rubber boots and they wont hold much even if they're in good shape.

Marv J
 
If the seals are tired or the bore is worn, you have gravity overcoming friction. Nothing to be surprised about.
 
:iagree: Sometimes I will leash them so this doesn't happen while changing components.
 
Thanks for the responses... It just seemed like there should be something besides friction holding things together...

Still giving thought to rebuild with disk brakes.... Just got to find all the parts... And maybe some $$$.
cd
 
dumb thought, was it the seal that came out or just the piston. If just the piston stick it back in and tie it there for the time being.
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned it, but even new ones come packaged with rubber bands to hold the piston in place. I usually install them that way until the shoes are in place.
 
I said tie rather than rubber bands like the new ones as I do not know how the bands would hold up to brake fluid in a used application.

I would prob use a bit of safety wire.
 
Good information! If I buy new wheel cylinders I will pay close attention to not having them "fall" apart.
I would still like to go the disk brake route, but need to consider the cost vs benefit. Not to mention the need to "find" all the parts for the conversion. I'm guessing if I do go with disk brakes I will rebuild the front end also... More $$$.
Thanks for the responses.
cd
 
I've heard some of the Spitfire calipers are workable conversons. Maybe someone can pipe in.
Good Luck -

Geo
 
George Zeck said:
I've heard some of the Spitfire calipers are workable conversons. Maybe someone can pipe in.
Good Luck -

Geo
Click to expand...

I think you are thinking of the "big brake" conversion which uses Spitfire rotors w/MGB calipers. This requires a custom spacer and some other modifications. More complicated and expensive to do.
 
Rebuilding of the front end is definitely on the need to do list. Just behind the prioritry of being able to stop first and foremost.
 
Yea... I guess being able to turn into a corner - more importantly being able to turn out of a corner - is a priority.

I have to go to the local parts place and get a price for all that I'd like to do... I'm thinking good front end (even with the drum brakes) is the way I'll go... Depends on both the time I have and disposable $$$. Are $$$ every disposable?
cd
 
As for brakes try the EBC green stuff pads. They are an improvement though they dust more.

Kurt.
 
It's been a while...

It seems I will have a few weeks off of work - double edge sword.
The good: Time to work on the little car.
The bad: No work = no extra $, so the outcome is to put in new wheel cylinders and save the conversion/front end rebuild for another day...
Now the only question is who to buy from??? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
cd
 
Perer C. at World Wide Imports in Maidison, WI.
 
Sounds good to me.
 
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