QUESTION
Whilst the pads for the LH calliper have worn down to practically to the backing plate, the RH pads look like they have done no work at all!
Note that my Lotus Elan stops in a straight line and never pulls to one side.
What could be the cause?
Should I replace the flexible hoses to the calipers as it has been suggested that they could be a cause.
E.J. - Sydney
ANSWER
Excessively worn brake pads are usually the result of sticking or seized brake caliper pistons.
This is often caused by corroded brake caliper pistons where the original chrome plating has lifted or bubbled due to rust underneath.
The recommended cure for this is to install new brake pistons and hydraulic seals.
Sticking brake caliper pistons can be further accentuated by corroded debris trapped in the space imediately behind the piston.
Before dismantling brake calipers it is advisable to bleed all the calipers to ensure brake fluid exits at each nipple.
Check to make sure fluid is moving correctly as restricted flexible hoses or crushed solid brake lines will prevent brake fluid from exiting the bleed nipple and operation of the relevant piston(s).
From experience, it maybe necessary to totally dismantle the brake calipers to remove internal corrsion within the piston bores.
This can be best done by bead blasting the corroded surfaces and then Zinc electro-plating the calipers for protection.
If it is unknown or if the brake hoses have not been changed in the last 5 to 8 years, then it would be advisable to fit new components.
From experienced gained in our workshop, there are many Elans still being driven today with brake hoses that were originally fitted at the Lotus Factory.
This practice is extremely dangerous as flexible brake hoses should be changed on a regular basis per the Lotus servicing schedule.
Please check that you do not have the original hoses - identified by a characteristic "basket weave pattern" on the external flexible hose rubber casing.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques
Whilst the pads for the LH calliper have worn down to practically to the backing plate, the RH pads look like they have done no work at all!
Note that my Lotus Elan stops in a straight line and never pulls to one side.
What could be the cause?
Should I replace the flexible hoses to the calipers as it has been suggested that they could be a cause.
E.J. - Sydney
ANSWER
Excessively worn brake pads are usually the result of sticking or seized brake caliper pistons.
This is often caused by corroded brake caliper pistons where the original chrome plating has lifted or bubbled due to rust underneath.
The recommended cure for this is to install new brake pistons and hydraulic seals.
Sticking brake caliper pistons can be further accentuated by corroded debris trapped in the space imediately behind the piston.
Before dismantling brake calipers it is advisable to bleed all the calipers to ensure brake fluid exits at each nipple.
Check to make sure fluid is moving correctly as restricted flexible hoses or crushed solid brake lines will prevent brake fluid from exiting the bleed nipple and operation of the relevant piston(s).
From experience, it maybe necessary to totally dismantle the brake calipers to remove internal corrsion within the piston bores.
This can be best done by bead blasting the corroded surfaces and then Zinc electro-plating the calipers for protection.
If it is unknown or if the brake hoses have not been changed in the last 5 to 8 years, then it would be advisable to fit new components.
From experienced gained in our workshop, there are many Elans still being driven today with brake hoses that were originally fitted at the Lotus Factory.
This practice is extremely dangerous as flexible brake hoses should be changed on a regular basis per the Lotus servicing schedule.
Please check that you do not have the original hoses - identified by a characteristic "basket weave pattern" on the external flexible hose rubber casing.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques