Re: CAUTION ON THE USE OF SILICONE BKAKE FLUID IN ESAMATIC BRAKE SYSTEMS

Posted by BH On 2007/10/22 8:04:41

Eric -

With all due respect, there is NOTHING inherently wrong with the design of the Bendix Treadle-Vac system compared to any other single-chambered master cylinder. I'll agree that dual-chambered systems do offer an additional layer of safety, but they're not 100% immune from total failure. Even with a dual-chambered master cylinder, there's no guarantee that you'll have sufficient stopping distance once you realize the pressure is lost in either side of a split hydraulic system.

The big problem that I see with the T-V unit, beyond any lack of understanding on the part of the person performing an overhaul, is the failure to replace some critical components that aren't part of the minor kit. IMHO, the spring for the compensator port valve is the most overlooked such part. Anyone can hang a shingle out and offer rebuilding services for the T-V, but that doesn't guarantee a thorough and competent rebuild - as is the case with any rebuilt component. (Any one remember the wonderful Arrow line of rebuilt starters ove 30 years ago?)

Now, you would be amazed at the number of late model vehicles that we have to replumb brake and fuel lines at the dealership where I work - regardless of make/origin. It takes nearly 50 feet of tubing and a lot of labor hours to do that on vehicles equipped with ABS. Replacing brake lines, hoses and wheel cylinder seals (if not the entire cylinders themselves) on our beloved old cars is much less costly - cheap insurance, if you will. Yet, the brakes must also be periodically adjusted on our Packards as they predate self-adjuster mechanisms.

The important thing with ANY old car is to go through the brake system COMPLETELY - and for both the mechanical and hydraulic aspects.