Hello,
We recently acquired a 1977 triumph Dolomite 1300, usual sort of thing, one elderly owner, garaged most of its life, etc. etc. Now that it has been pressed back into regular service it looks like the front brakes are binding on one side.
I'm going to strip them down over the weekend, but I got to thinking that there could be something else more sinister wrong such as a sticking master cylinder.
Any advice any of you have about where I should start looking for the problems as described ? I would be very grateful.
Thanks
Marcus
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Calipers were a problem on these for a long time.They did tend to sieze..I would advise as you mentioned strip down clean up.Assuming they still do replacement caliper seals.if not replacement caliper is needed.Dont forget the old fluid though.One reason for deterioration was old fluid. and may apply to whole system.Of which I assume you have checked?
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Steve
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The brake flexible hoses WILL have perished.Full Stop. On average they last 10 years or so...
I recommend you replace ALL as a matter of course. You may find one of them has loose rubber/sollen thus preventing fluid return and making brakes stick on.
madf
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A nice idea to bring a nice old car back into action. However, you might need to see it as more than just a tidy up, but a partial restoration. I agree with the above, flexible hoses are likely to be poor, as will the rear cylinders and master cylinder seals. I would advise a total brake renewal. The good news is that parts for these cars are pretty cheap. If the front discs and calipers are OK, new seals all round, plus flexible hoses and fluid, new disc pads and shoes are probably under £100. It's nice to have that reasured feeling that it has been done properly.
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Whilst we are on about restoration all radiator hoses, look at steering rack rubbers, drive shaft ditto,
Radiator top hose and new thermostat would be good insuarnce in case of age hardening/corrosion
madf
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Try Rimmer Bros www.rimmerbros.co.uk/ for all those hard to get bits.
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Rimmer Bros generally sell all Triumph parts at a 10-15% higher price than www.canleyclassics.com
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An admittedly quick skim through Canley Classics website found only parts for Herald, Vitesse, GT6 and Spitfire - nothing for the Dolomite.
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The other one is Quiller in Plumstead. The other option is your local motor factors as most of the bits were used on all manner of 70s cars and not just Triumph. Not sure about the comment of calipers prone to seizing, they're the same Girling ones fitted to zillions of other Brit cars! I think they're P14s fitted to Escorts, Cortinas etc.
Slightly seized calipers very often respond to gentle excercise. Remove the pads and work the pistons back and forth, also change the brake fluid at the same time. I've heaved cars out of hedgerows, sawn trees to get cars out that have been standing still for years and had very few problems with the issue of standing. The main one has been oil leaks where the cars been standing, with cranks etc not turning.
Jim
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