Front brake cylinder small bolt irritation.

Post by **Mick_Anik** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:09 am

If you are doing any dismantling of the front brake cylinders, I recommend the following modification. That small-headed bolt (one of two holding the cylinder to the backplate), on which you can't get a socket and is often rounded off and difficult to remove sometimes.......
You can buy a new bolt with an Allen-key head. I got mine from Charles Ware when I bought new cylinders. Purists may groan, but it makes life a lot easier!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 10:32 pm

When new- but that Allen screw head will soon rot away and be very very difficult to get out in a few years time ! There seem to be a range of sizes for that little screw head - but I've always managed to work with them ok. I have a 'cheapy' 1/4" drive socket set with a good range of small sockets - there is 'always' one that fits!

Post by **Mick_Anik** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:54 pm

I can't argue with any of that - where there's a will there's a way, perhaps.
I suppose they are only a problem when you take on a Morris that hasn't had anything done to it for years. I remember my early days....everything was a problem! Then you learn about the art of chiselling and the use of blowlamps and grinders - and the knowing when your beaten, and it's off to the bank!
Thinking about it.......utilising a serrated washer (if there's room - never done it) would mean less force needed to nip up either the original bolt or the modified type. Some grease on the threads, too. It should then never be difficult to remove.

I have perversely fond memories of tackling stubborn nuts and bolts - but that's the learning curve. I think all mechanics need to be able to weld - it makes all it a lot easier. For example, by welding a nut onto the head of a stubborn bolt, the heat generated helps to free it. Then you have something to grip..........

I accepted long ago the fact that I'm slightly mad

.

Post by **Kevin** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 10:46 pm

Not really a useful tip so I will move it to general discussion

Post by **Cam** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 12:51 pm

bmcecosse wrote:When new- but that Allen screw head will soon rot away and be very very difficult to get out in a few years time ! There seem to be a range of sizes for that little screw head - but I've always managed to work with them ok. I have a 'cheapy' 1/4" drive socket set with a good range of small sockets - there is 'always' one that fits!

I have to agree with the above. I have worked on Minors with both types fitted and have to agree that after a bit of rust gets hold, you are better off with a bolt head as opposed to a round allen socket.

Post by **alainmoran** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:49 pm

surely if you cover the end in copper-ease it doesnt matter which kind it is as it wont have rusted anyway

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 7:01 pm

If it stays in place ! I prefer thick black grease myself - for protecting bolt heads - but even that gets washed away.

Post by **Mick_Anik** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 8:05 pm

I think this kind of preventitive thing needs to be done on a regular, maybe monthly, basis, as part of what should be the routine maintenance procedure.
I've noticed that everything gets washed away, sooner or later. When I'm under the car, I put on my greased-up rubbery gloves and go around wiping stuff - handbrake outer cables, any bolts ends protruding through the nut and the like. A blob of grease in the top of each bleed nipple and in the caps even. Only takes a few minutes, but pays off later.

Post by **cormorant** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 9:34 pm

I had that exact problem recently and was about to get the chisel out when I found a little ring spanner (3/8 Whitworth as I remember) that saved the day