Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: afisk on September 27, 2013, 02:36:15
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Hello,
I have a 1967 230sl and the left rear brake is leaking. I need to do a rebuild on the wheel cylinder, but I have not had any luck finding a rebuild kit. Are there any places where I can buy a rebuild kit?
Thanks in advance,
Aaron
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Those cylinders are 19mm or 3/4 inch. You can buy the brake cylinder cups at any NAPA store but I wouldn't bother unless the cylinders are in perfect condition and only have a bit of surface crud at either end of the bore. Rust is what kills them because it also cuts the rubber cups which makes them leak. That leaking brake fluid attracts moisture which causes even more rusting.
Trying to hone them out really never works because the surface has to be mirrror smooth or they will continue to leak. I replace them with new ones for two reasons. It's a permanent repair and leaking brake fluid gets on th brake shoes so they often have to be replaced as well.
Catching any leaking early during what should be an anual inspection ( pull the rubber covers off and look for any fluid ) you do yourself is the way to keep your running costs lower and your driving time higher. I should add that yearly brake fluid changes are a must for our cars and in particular 230SL's. Those brake cyinders are NOT air tight.