Brake Cylinders left dry too long?

[53 Truck-O-Matic]

My brake cylinders for my 53 B4B were all rebuilt in California about 9 years ago. Just NOW getting around to putting fluid in lines and bleeding brakes here in Maine. A few leaks here and there including front left wheel cylinder.  I'm thinking I let them all sit too long, and I should just get them all rebuilt again. Is that Right?

[NiftyFifty]

Is new not an option? It maybe was past it’s life expectancy the first time, I wouldn’t try rebuilding again, unless no other option.  Depending on storage conditions 9 years could be a factor or not 

[FlashBuddy]

If they were in good shape 9 years prior, you might get by with a simple cleanup. Best to take them apart and have a look see. One of my fronts was shockingly coroded so waranted a  replacement.

 

Around here "replace" is the common suggestion, though many choose to rebuild with a kit and a cylinder hone. Likely depends on where you were to start with and what you find when you peek inside.

 

I replaced all mine with cheap Chinese crap. I wasn't shopping for crap, but no matter what price point I bought, that was what arrived on the UPS truck. If I had it to do over, or if I ever spring a leak the originals will be going out for rebuilding/sleeving.

[desoto1939]

5 hours ago, 53 Truck-O-Matic said:

My brake cylinders for my 53 B4B were all rebuilt in California about 9 years ago. Just NOW getting around to putting fluid in lines and bleeding brakes here in Maine. A few leaks here and there including front left wheel cylinder.  I'm thinking I let them all sit too long, and I should just get them all rebuilt again. Is that Right?

So they were rebuilt 9 years ago and I assume they were never put onthe truck.  If they were left in a box with dry storage then there should not be any issue. I assume that they might be leaking from dried out rubber boots and cups and that the inside of the cylinders are perfectly fine without any rust.  So yes if there is not any rust issue or pitting then get new cups and outer boots and rebuild the inside should be good and should not have any markings or grooves.

 

Plese provide more input as to the condition of the cylinders or where are they leaking.

 

Rich Hartung

desoto1939@aol.com

[53 Truck-O-Matic]

Thanks to all.

They have been "stored" on the partly rebuilt truck in garage, through normal seasonal changes etc. I haven't opened up the cylinders yet, I've been trying to bleed and found a couple of loose fittings leaking and at least one cylinder leaking, (left front). I had replaced all lines. The brakes themselves were rebuilt in L.A., new shoes, drums resurfaced, cylinders rebuilt and some springs replaced etc. 

I'll open that left front tomorrow and examine the parts.

[53 Truck-O-Matic]

UPDATE:

The front cylinders and parts seem in very good condition. The only issue, and it may be that the brake rebuilder used a newer cylinder that was changed, is that there is a part missing when compared to the 1953 manual. In the diagram, there is a "Piston Cup Expander"- #8  , that is missing in my parts. I also notice the spring I have is wider at each end, different from diagram, and maybe that makes up for missing expander on a newer cylinder.

THOUGHTS??

ALSO: While we're here, what is that bolt for on the front wheel spindle? (See Arrow).

[53 Truck-O-Matic]

Upon further investigation:  The front cylinders are new replacements made by Omni5, so I'm thinking leaks were from one or more of my coupling points, not sure. May put them back on, button everything down a bit more carefully and try bleeding again.

[Jerry Roberts]

That bolt locks your king pin in place , it pushes on a flat spot on the king pin . 

[53 Truck-O-Matic]

Thanks Jerry!

Now that I look at it, that makes sense.

[53 Truck-O-Matic]

I noticed a different bolt on the Right-Side King Pin, as seen in attached photo. It has a "locking not" and a retaining washer to keep everything in place, I guess. I was able to find a matching bolt in my stuff and installed it. I was surprised at the lengths they went to make sure the king pin doesn't move.

Go Figure!

 

 

[Jerry Roberts]

The bolt in your photo is a ' steering knuckle stop screw '  . Your steering will hit this ' stop '  when the steering wheel is turned as far as it will go . They are adjustable . 

[53 Truck-O-Matic]

So I've got it in the wrong place? I've definitely got two of them.

??

[Jerry Roberts]

Two is correct , one on each side of the vehicle . Try turning your steering wheel as far as it will go each way and look at where the stop must go . Do you have a manual with pictures of this part installed ?

[53 Truck-O-Matic]

I see it here. So the pin bolts are just a bolt through the spring washer and clamping washer, the steering stop gets the bolt with double nut.

Thanks!

[48Dodger]

Here's a video I did a few years ago on the spindle etc.....might be interesting.

Estrada Motorsports video

48D