Restoration Update: Disc Brake Overhaul

After sitting for two months, the front left disc brake finally froze. I decided to have the front disc brakes overhauled. The calipers, cylinders, and hydraulic pistons were full of dirt and gunk that the mechanic had to use the wire brush equipped grinder to clean the metal surface of the brake parts. It was no surprise that the piston seals (outer and inner) were worn and some were even torn apart due to old age. I had to go find the parts and fortunately I was able to locate a shop, which had the exact part number for the seals (part number: RP TCL TC 317). Even better...I got each pair for P75! What a deal! I bought four pairs to replace all the seals for the hydraulic pistons.

Note: The store where I bought the seals is Motormaster Inc. 1277 C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila. Telephone: 254-8707, 254-8761, 254-9226, 254-9164, 254-9225

One of the cylinders already cleaned. Note the "Dunlop" (above) and "Sumitomo" (below) markings on the caliper.

One of the hydraulic pistons already cleaned...still in good shape after more than forty years of braking!

One of the calipers already cleaned. Note the "MK2" marking on the left side of the caliper. It's cool to know that this caliper design is the same that's used in the Jaguar E-Type!

All the brake parts already cleaned and ready for the new seals.

The brake pads also had to be sanded since they were a bit too tight on the calipers, which prevents the pads from retracting with ease. I also had the bridge tube on the left caliper replaced, since the mechanic discovered a crack in one of the inlets, which leaked brake fluid. I also had the rear drum brakes adjusted, since one of the parts in the left brake got dislodged (that was quite a scare!).

So far the performance of the front disc brakes are better than before. Pedal pressure is firmer now thanks also to the adjustment of the rear brakes. Stopping power is better and the good thing is that when I brake hard, the Fairlady doesn't steer left or right anymore due to brake bias. I hope the brake system doesn't give me anymore problems...especially when driving at 100kph!