heinkeljb wrote:Hi Paul,
As far as your Brakes go, there really shouldn't be too much that can be wrong. Leaks are most likely and might be sorted by replacing the piston seals, but as it is difficult to know which size / make of seal to go for... it would probably be easier to replace the whole wheel cylinder(s).
If you are having trouble with the brake staying on, the most likely reason other than bits just being rusted up, is the flexible pipes. These tend to de-laminate internally and then work as one way valves - always holding the brake shoes in the extended position. Length of the flexible hoses shouldn't be too critical as long as they are longer and not shorter! For the cost of five brake hose I would replace all of them.
Brake shoes and the little top springs can present a challenge until you learn the trick of using a wire hook to pull and twist them into position. Have a read of the posts relating to brakes on here to maybe get a better idea. If you are still struggling, post again and I'll see if I an post a video showing how.
We need some pictures of your engine transplant one - new thread for that!
John
Yes you are right, the brakes should be straight forward. I did buy the wheel cylinder kits (pistons and rubbers) from Dale at Haflinger Technik for both my Haflingers. That was the only thing stopping the Subaru Engined one from being used (ignoring the gearbox niggles) I fixed them with alot of patience and some needle-nosed pliers (not being aware of the wire hook trick! My other Haflinger which I literally rescued from the scrappers is another story. It probably hadn't moved for a 15 years or so and was missing all sorts of parts. I bought a new Master Cylinder, then when I went to actually work on the brakes found that 2 of the metal pipes needed replacing (one broken, one squashed) and I was missing the rubber grommet/stopper that the pipe from the fluid reservoir plugs into. Finally reconditioned the brake cylinders, pipes, shoes, etc; only to find that (as you advise) the flexible hoses, which look great on the outside are completely blocked, so now i am waiting for replacements of those. Oh and also the reservoir seems to have rust wholes in it! so that's being braised. Hopefully this weekend i will get the brakes working!
I will try and get some pictures of the Subaru engine transplant soon. I sent that Haflinger down to the family beach house so might be a little while!
Cheers,
Paul