My rear wheel cylinder is leaking and needs fixing at some point. Just wanted to know what else i'm going to break on removal and (even tho I can't afford it) is it worth fitting new brake shoes wheel bearing or anything while i'm in there, which would mean stripping the other side too

Cheers

rear shoes last forever, so they'd only need changing if contaminated with brake fluid. If theres play in the bearings then change em if not leave em alone. You got the 44mm socket?

If it's been leaking, then there's almost certainly fluid on the shoes.

Given how long it isn't since your car was rebuilt, I'd be surprised if the pipe doesn't unscrew fairly easily - or was the rear suspension just swapped over complete, with the original pipes?

I've got a 44mm socket if you need to borrow one (although, given the toolbox you've got at work, I'd guess not...), and I should get my brake centraliser back off Rumble at the weekend.

harry,
the shoes on that side will be contaminated with LHM, so to avoid the chance of brake imbalance, it's always best to fit new shoes on both sides.
It's also worth checking what state the cylinder on the other side is in.

On the bright side, sometimes you can swap the retaining nuts side to side, to send them round again.
No point in changing a wheel bearing unless it's growling or shows some play...

ken

( p.s. I've had to replace quite a few sets of brake shoes because the linings were separating from the backing. So even if the linings look to have plenty of life left in them, check to see if there are any gaps developing between the lining and the metal, close to the pivot.)

Hehe, they last forever b'cos they don't work. Eventually this will happen


If short of money, just overhaul the cylinders with this cheap kit

Brake pipes are brand new so there's no problem there. Yes the shoes will be contaminated as it has leaked since before FN if shoes are in good condition can't i just clean them with brake cleaner? I've got the socket. No centraliser tho do i NEED that cause i'll probably center it by eye

Depends. If you're using concentrics, no. If you're using eccentrics, then - you don't _NEED_, but it helps. A lot.

harry,
as long as you're prepared to risk an MOT fail on rear brake balance...

No amount of cleaning or sanding will remove all traces of the fluid from brake linings or pads which have been contaminated, so their coefficient of friction will be lower.

ken

Harry, assuming Mr C is planning to lend you the brake centralising tool (very good tool btw), I can give it to Frankie at the weekend. Otherwise it'll be heading down to Lechlade with Nikki.

Go for it. Otherwise, I was thinking Rumble->Nikki->Me->Harry...