Brake system left with fluid after disassembly

Webley1991 · Nov 11, 2014

I realised this possible propblem earlier today. I stripped the Series down starting in May 2013. By September '13 I was down to chassis, engine, gearbox and axles. This was me working alone at the weekends whenever I got a chance.

At the time I didn't think about clearing the brake fluid out of the cylinders. Today I realised that as brake fluid attracts water, they could now all be internally corroded. Also, I have seen brake fluid turn to a dark yellow paste when it has dried out. I would think this could be inside the cylinders as well.

Should I just replace everything to be safe? What's even more annoying is that I replaced the cylinders in 2012 so they had seen very little use.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Land Raver · Nov 11, 2014

I would be tempted to remove drums and check for operation first. Might be ok.
Especially as they are so relatively new.

oxides · Nov 11, 2014

Pop the pistons out and have a look - a foot pump might help. Replace any that look corroded, they're not expensive.

TooMany2cvs · Nov 11, 2014

After a year or so? I'd just change the fluid and see how it goes, tbh.

honolulujoe · Nov 12, 2014

just a thought, it might be a good opportunity to switch to copper pipes if you have the cash since you are restoring anyway

divie · Nov 12, 2014

IMHO Kunifer or Copper pipes are a must, cheap enough to buy by the roll and with a decent flaring kit simple to make up. I would just take a look at the wheel cylinders and then rely on the new fluid purging the system. It is taken as read that all new flexi pipes will be used no good spoiling the job now for a few pounds.

Webley1991 · Nov 12, 2014

Thanks for the replies. The braking system is not something where you can just hope for the best.

I renewed the whole brake system in 2012, including new copper pipes and flexi hoses. This was before I ended up getting into a whole chassis off rebuild.

I made a pretty stupid move with the master cylinder earlier today. I noticed a small shaving of aluminium in the outlet port. This was from where the threads had been formed. I decided to dig it out with a screwdriver, but I am pretty sure it ended up going down the hole and into the cylinder.

I think I will have to disassemble the cylinder now to be sure it isn't in there.

Ian46 · Nov 13, 2014

Put a bit of brake fluid in the reservoir and slow operate the master cylinder, it might wash the bits out and save you from taking it apart.

mrchurchill109 · Nov 13, 2014

Were it me I'd pop the pistons and just exammine the bores. Worst case a bit of honing with a brake hone and new cups and you're off to the races. Rebuild kits are much cheaper than cylinders even for you lucky folks who can get them at the local auto shop.

ajr

Webley1991 · Nov 13, 2014

The cylinder was new in 2012 so the seals should hopefully be fine. It probably saw a few hundred miles on the road before I decided to go for a full rebuild.

I will try washing it out with some fluid first.

Brake system left with fluid after disassembly

Webley1991

Well-Known Member

Land Raver

Well-Known Member

oxides

Well-Known Member

TooMany2cvs

Active Member

honolulujoe

Well-Known Member

divie

Well-Known Member

Webley1991

Well-Known Member

Ian46

Active Member

mrchurchill109

Active Member

Webley1991

Well-Known Member

Similar threads