TR2/3/3A Leaky front wheel cylinders-- TR3

[jayhawk]

After renewing the brake hoses and pads, on my '60 TR3, I now have leaky front wheel cylinders and have to pump like heck to get brake pedal pressure. Rear cylinders were rebuilt and are nice and dry. In one of my old triumph books, it says that rebuilding the front cylinders should be a dealer job since it requires a special tool-- is this correct? Is this a big deal? The books I have don't say anything specific about new seals, etc.

Thanks!

Thanks

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hi, Jayhawk -

Rebuilding calipers is not that difficult. The hardest thing can be getting the piston out - can be done with compressed air, but you have to be extra careful with that.

However, it seems like they would have been leaking before you changed pads and hoses. Are you sure your connections are tight?

Mickey

 

[Geo Hahn]

As noted, no special tool required. I usually pump the pistons out while the caliper is still attached. I pump them out using wood shims to keep one from getting to far ahead of its mate. Try to have them far enough out that when one finally pops free the other is just about to come out too.

I thought the trickiest bit was getting that boot stretched over the new piston as it was pressed home -- for this there is a technique with compressed air that works a treat (I must confess I can't remember if that boot trick is necessary on the TR3A or just on the TR4).

 

[MDCanaday]

Likely you will get them out and need new pistons due to corrosion(way common) A little on the bores is not too bad, but the piston moves and eats the seals.As with all saftey issues JUST DO IT!!!!
MD(mad dog)

 

[jayhawk]

Appreciate the comments and advice noted-- Before the hoses were changed there was no apparent leak. The hoses were pretty clogged and braking was uneven as a result. With new hoses and pads, I assume the pressure could now expose the poor seals, etc.