Quick question: I'm replacing front cylinders on my -65 valiant (9" drums). Ordered two Centric cylinders from Rockauto and in one package there is a copper washer, in the other (package was open when it arrived) there isn't.

Is a washer suposed to be used or not? I've removed one of the old cylinders and I didn't notice any washer there (unless it fell out and I didn't notice it).

Thanks again for any input
Maurice

I have not seen a washer used in drum brake wheel cylinders. There should be a metal-metal hose coupling directly from the brake hose to the cylinder inlet.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Second question: Do you trust new brake cylinders and just put them in place the way they are or is it better to open them up and check them first (maybe lubricate with new brake fluid or brake grease)?

It's ten years (more?) since I last time redid the brakes, so I'm drawing a blank when trying to remember.

Thanks Lou, I just checked my treasure box of old brake parts and didn't find any sign of washers there either. Strange though that there is a washer provided with one of the new cylinders (could have been in the other box too, before somebody tore it open).

Maurice

I am trying to remember any applications from back in my auto parts salesman days. I do remember some front wheel cylinders with a copper washer where the brake hose screwed in. I don't recall what cars, though.
It is easy enough to tell by looking at the hose/cylinder mating surface.

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-MattMan
LEANED & MEAN

I remember the copper washers on my 64 with 9" drums up front.

And the copper washers (2) with banjo bolts.

The soft copper makes the seal if there isn't a flare connection.


HF has a box of copper washers for $5 (even less with 20% coupon)

http://www.harborfreight.com/80-piece-c ... 67526.html

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Well, the mystery deepens. I'm pretty sure there was no washer on the right side, but now trhat I loosened up the hose on the left side -behold- there was a copper washer there... Considering how easily they leak, I wonder how it hasnt...

The hose does tighten up tightly against the cylinder, so I guess it makes sense it seals there instead at the bottom. I always thought there was a flare at the bottom like at the brake hose-brake line junction. It would seem I was wrong then.

I think I can get the washer at the local parts store here on monday. They carry nothing for our cars here, but this should be a pretty general kind of part.


I also opened up the new Centric (made in China) brake cylinders and they looked okay inside. One had some very thin grease/fluid inside while the other had pretty thick brake gerease (lots of it, I coated the cylinder areas with it and removed the rest).

Thanks again for all the info
Maurice