which wheel cylinders?

[deano69]

Ok, another one for you to discuss....im looking at replacing all wheel cylinders and have chanced across some Quinton Hazell replacements.At £45 all in they are a sight cheaper than original type(lockheed?) at about £100 all in.Are they as good?Is there anything operationally wise that make them a bad replacement?

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

I prefer the original type and think they are worth the extra. I have used the cheaper ones and found they dont last very long even on an every day use car. The lockheed type has a separate seal which also can be replaced if required.

[mike.perry]

Its all there is between you and the brick wall. Fit the best

[deano69]

Ok, well i was mindful to keep and recon the original ones so anyone know how quickly my originals can be rebuilt using the kits?It all looks fairly straightforward but that could be famous last words...

[mike.perry]

I never bother rebuilding, I always buy new cylinders. I have a tin full of old cylinders

[deano69]

Ok, well is that cos you think a rebuilt is never as good as the original?

[autolycus]

I think that you need to consider what is meant by rebuilding or repairing a wheel cylinder.

Some people think it's rebuilt if they've popped the piston out, shoved a new seal roughly into place, and stuck it back together. It may well be OK for several minutes or even months.

The next level involves attempting to clean the piston and bore thoroughly, and assessing whether there is significant pitting or scoring, which can quite quickly chew up new seals.

Up from that, and the minimum I would normally recommend, is using a cylinder hone until the bore is smooth, as well as the basic stuff of ensuring the piston is in good, clean condtion, the bleed nipple is not rusted and actually has a hole through it, and the whole think is assembled in clean conditions with new seals and dust covers, and a trace of rubber grease.

The ultimate solution, probably not economically sensible for Minors, is to have the cylinder bored out and re-sleeved. This has its own pitfalls: I used a firm which advertises widely to re-sleeve a master cylinder, and they did an appallingly shoddy job (clue: they sell Parts from the Past).

I've never had problems with QH cylinders - but have I read that some Minor replacement cylinders use non-original design seals? Do QH?

Kevin

[deano69]

Thanks for the reply.Its certainly food for thought.I think im gonna be putting the idea of a repair/rebuild on the back burner and check further for options on which ones to use.As for whether QH use non original design seals, i've no idea but i may ask them.If they've always worked fine for you does whether they use original design seals or not matter?Im guessing not.Again thanks for all your replies.Its both illuminating and confusing.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Yes QH has an non original set up, one full length piston with a seal on. The lockheed type has a short piston, rubber seal, plastic cap and a spring underneath. I am refering to front cylinders only, the QH back ones are fine.

If I was fitting a kit I would remove the cylinder from the car and strip it all apart making sure its all perfectly clean before rebuilding.

[kennatt]

used QH and other aftermarket brake parts for years and never had any trouble with them either in performance or durability,have only rebuilt brake parts when nothing else available,and have had failures with these after short times.Depends how much money you want to spend.

[bmcecosse]

The QH cylinders are fine - I think their O ring type seal is actually better than the original bucket type! Just be wary of any cheap chinese copies!

[deano69]

Well i was gonna go with the QH option but luckily for me a relatives partner is minor mad and has said, "ive got everything for a minor-theres new wheel cylinders, def front ones but i probably got rear ones too, and brake drums...all at low low prices"

I like him, he can stay.