Rear brake query

[Domus]

Just completed the dry fit of of the de-dion tube assembly on the bench. Why are the rear calipers piped in solid? Does the pipe not flex and stretch with each application of the handbrake? When I come to strip and change the rear pads will I need to undo the tube nut and therefore introduce air into the system?

 

Why not just use two hoses?

 

There must be a reason

 

 

www.peters7.co.uk

 

 

[Richard Price]

There must be a reason

 

It's likely to be cost!

 

There is a thread here that lists the parts required.

 

Euroquip fittings from RallyDesign here work out cheapest.

 

 

 

 

[Paul Deslandes]

Caterham do the bits to convert to flexible hoses, cut to the right length and with the correct fittings. The only time you have to be careful not to flex the solid pipe is when you're changing the pads or servicing the rear hub for some reason.

 

When I built my car in '95 it came with a video with the, then, technical director, Jez Coates, giving guidance on the essentials of assembly. He made the the point that, even if you don't remember anything else from his video, you must make sure that the pipe that runs along the de Dion tube is on top so that it won't get bashed if you ground the DD tube, and also make sure that it won't hit anything else during suspension movement e.g. back of the diff casing etc.

 

Given the stage that you're at with the build, if you haven't covered it already, you might want to look in the (recent) archives re problems and solutions when bleeding the rear brakes.

 

Paul

 

 

[jeffi]

I had to remove a rear caliper and one hub/drive shaft when replacing the diff and used the method which involves leaving the brake pipe attached and gently supporting/hanging the caliper from the spring damper with a big cable tie. This meant I did not have to worry about leaking brake fluid, draining or re-bleeding. This worked for me and the pipe didn't have to be bent - it flexed enough.

[MADMALC]

As jeffi above.

I have had no issues with the 'solid' mounting and the car is now 12 years old.

 

S7MAD