4/3/10
Closer inspection of Brake Equalizer

I took some measurements of the internal piston on the Brake Equalizer along with the bore of the outer casing. The seals are normal doughnut shaped or square cut seals. Here are the dimensions of the seal:
32mm O.D. X 19mm I.D. and 6.5mm thick
30mm O.D. X 16mm I.D. and 5 mm thick

I took a closer look at the internal push rod after I removed the rust, and I found the piston to be pitted. The smooth portion on the left side of the picture is where the smaller seal sits at rest. When the brakes are applied, the piston moves and the seal will run over this rough portion. Not only will the seal leak fluid and brake pressure, but over time, the rough section will eventually cut up the new seal.

What are my options? I think I can try to fill these imperfections with braze, weld, or plating, and machine it to the level of the original thickness, or I can machine a completely new rod.  We checked the hardness of this piece, and it looks to be regular tool steel without any hardening. I can have a machinist turn this on a lathe, or I can push the limits of my amateur machining skills and turn it on my lathe at home. If I choose to make a new push rod, what’s stopping me from having one turned out of Stainless Steel? Thoughts everyone?

Mark the date! Saturday, May 8, 2010 will be the Third Annual Radcliffe Motorcar/Tomyang.net Spring Event.
 

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