Progress Report: 875ktq Brake Binding

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

Tested the rod-shortening remedy by driving 120 miles on 72 degree day. All
4 brakes were binding slightly after 1 hour of driving. How much is
"slightly?" Parked on level ground, out of gear, I could not roll the car
in either direction by pushing against the B pillar. Hubs were all warm,
but not yet so hot that I couldn't keep my hand on any of them. It has been
much worse.

Time to try old racer trick of chilling the MC.... I popped the hood and
wrapped the MC with a cool wet towel for a few minutes. The binding went
away and I could push the car easily back and forth.

Still needing to get back home, and having 10 minutes to spend, I followed
Dave Connor's suggestion and constructed a simple aluminum shield around
the MC and its plastic reservoir, to deflect the blast of hot air coming
from the radiator fan....used tin snips and a roll of aluminum flashing
from a roofing job. Total shielded volume probably less than a quart,
closed on front and sides, open at the firewall end. Brakes did not bind on
the 60 mile return trip, and in my driveway the car pushed easily on level
ground out of gear.

Dave Connor was right. Very good suggestion.

Summary: Shortening the rod didn't solve the problem but might have helped.
Cooling the MC was effective but difficult to maintain while in motion.
Heat shield around MC was effective enough to hold off the condition on a
mild summer day in light traffic.

Conclusion: Should do more testing of effectiveness of heat shield over
same course, during much hotter weather that is expected this week...mid to
high 80's. I can always replace the MC if necessary, but it isn't leaking,
and I'm interested in finding out how effective the heat shield will be.

Doyt Echelberger
87 5ktq in Ohio USA