Brake fluid change

[Rod75]

Hi Guys....when I restored my car I replaced all brake componants and even fitted copper-nicol pipes. I then used silicone because I was told that it prevents rust and it wont damage your paint. The thing is that I do have leaking brake sylinders....maybe because my car did not move for more than 18 months or I am not using cups made from the correct rubber. My main problem now is that the silicone fluid leaked into the brake drums and the brake shoes was "standing" in the fluid. Can someone please advice what I must use to clean the brake shoes with because it is now very slippery and not effective on braking.
Thanks South

Welcome to the CAC South-
Sounds like you either have an earlier Corvette or different car, by the reference to drum brakes. That's alright by me.
I'm not real clear on your reference to "copper-nicol pipes." Copper walled brake lines don't belong on any car. They won't hold up to the brake system pressures. Just be sure you have steel walled lines that are made for the task.
Your fluid leakage is most likely due to part failure, or possible inferior replacement parts. It's easy to over-hone a used wheel cylinder or caliper, resulting in poor seal fit and leakage.
If a brake system is rebuilt/repaired correctly, there should be no leaks regardless of time the car stays idle within a reasonable amt of time.
I suggest replacing any brake lining that has been exposed to long term brake fluid saturation. Especially silicone fluid.
A shelf product called 'brake cleaner' is normally used to clean brake parts and linings. It would be acceptable to clean a fluid soaked finger print or minor stains. But IMO any brake fluid saturation more than that has compromised the lining material and pad/shoe replacement is the only option. I don't think that any amt of soaking/cleaning the lining will give acceptable results. I sure wouldn't want them on my car.
Good Luck

 

[South]

Thanks Rod75.....you caught me out, I do not have a Corvette. Would very much like to import one but our days of importing LH drive cars to SA is gone. I just googled for silicone brake fluid an came upon your active forum. The car I refered to is a 1962 Alfa Romeo Touring Spider....not bad but not close to Corvette class. I suppose you are right my brake linings are compromised and I will have to accept it....I just thought you may have a wonder potion.
Regards South

 

[Rod75]

Thanks Rod75.....you caught me out, I do not have a Corvette. Would very much like to import one but our days of importing LH drive cars to SA is gone. I just googled for silicone brake fluid an came upon your active forum. The car I refered to is a 1962 Alfa Romeo Touring Spider....not bad but not close to Corvette class. I suppose you are right my brake linings are compromised and I will have to accept it....I just thought you may have a wonder potion.
Regards South

No problem South. You're going to need those brakes when that heard of elephants steps out in front of you! :L

Not that you're not welcome here, but have you checked out some Alfa forums out there?

Alfa Romeo Forum - Alfa Romeo Club for dedicated owners
Alfa Romeo Bulletin Board & Forums

Best of luck with your project!