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MG TD TF 1500 - Rust in the Slave Cylinders

After about 6 months I started having problems with brakes not disengaging. Well, up the lift she went, and with all four wheels in the air I discovered that rust has started to build up between the Slave Cylinder sleeve (redone in Stainless steel) and the metal pistons. This is the piston against which the rubber seals press.
During initial assembly I‘ve very sparingly applied Red rubber grease, but way to little, I think.
Are there any tricks apart from more rubber grease to prevent this from reoccurring?
…I’ve noticed a thin brass washer or plate between the piston and the metal cap. This is fitted during assembly and spot welded together with the cap onto the piston. Some of my pistons have this and some don’t, which leaves the piston even more exposed to the elements.

Thanks
PJ Nel

....are there rubber boots on all the cylinders... stainless steel doesn't rust?...
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Hi Gordon,
Yes, the rubber boots are all in. Its the metal piston that rusted, the rust deposits then jams up movement btwn the Piston and Cylinder Sleeve.
PJ Nel

pj, i'm not familiar with red rubber grease and have always only used the brake fluid i plan on using (dot 5 silicon for the TD) as an assembly lube. regards, tom
tom peterson

I agree with Tom...
Are you sure that the *rust* isn't simply the red grease you applied becoming mixed with brake dust and becoming hard?
Gene Gillam

This is easy. Use silicon break fluid. My brakes would rust every year during winter storage at these exact spots. Put in Silicon fluid 20 years ago and no more problems.
Bruce Cunha

I second the silicon fluid use. I have it in my TD, Morris Minor, Austin America and Jaguar 3.8S for well over 20 years with very good results.
John Quilter (TD8986)

This thread was discussed between 08/11/2011 and 10/11/2011

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