Sunbeam ALPINE I SERIES: APLINE II SERIES, Workshop Manual

Page: 262 / 413

WSM.114
Section K (Brakes)
7th
re-Issue
Pagel
ALPINE.
The addition of fluid will be required at regular
intervals due to the repositioning of the front
wheel pistons as a result of friction lining wear,
but a rapid fall in fluid level would indicate a leak
at some point in the system which should be traced
and rectified.
Use only the specified typ� of brake fluid for
replenishment purposes. (See Section P). Care
should be taken not to spill any of the fluid on the
car body since the fluid is injurous to paint.
The brake hoses should be checked at regular
intervals for leakage, chafing and general deteriora­
tion. If there is any doubt replace the hoses. It is
advisable in any case to replace the hoses every five
years. For removal Instructions see under "Flexible
hoses-to remove and refit".
To check for leaks, apply a firm pressure to the
brake pedal whilst an assistant examines the units,
pipes, hoses and fittings.
lt Is also advisable to occasionally check for tightness
the brake mounting bolts and hydraulic unions. It
is Important not to overtighten the bleed screws
and unions, since this may very easily result In
stripped threads. The specified torque figures for
the bleed screws and pipe unions are as follows:­
Bleed screws
(conical pointed) 5-7·5 lbs. ft. {70-104 kg. cm.)
Feed pipe unions
(male)
(female)
7-8 lbs. ft. (97-111 kg. cm.)
8-10 lbs. ft. (111-138 kg. cm.)
FRONT BRAKES
DESCRIPTION
Each brake consists of a high quality cast iron disc
which is attached to and rotates with the hub, and a
cast iron caliper which straddles the disc and is
rigidly attached to the axle carrier.
The caliper houses two hydraulic pistons operating
on a pair of brake pads, the pistons are protected
!>y dust covers and sealing between the pistons and
caliper is effected by rubber rings fitted in grooves
in the caliper bores.
A metal splash guard Is fitted to protect the Inner
face of the disc from grit. On Serles I and II models,
these guards are attached by brackets under the
heads of the steering arm and caliper attachment
bolts, but on Series Ill models onwards the guards
are attached to the hub side of the stub axle
carriers with three bolts each.
On Series II models, after chassis No. B.913936,
anti-squeal shims are fitted between the pistons
and brake pads.
On Series I and II models, anti-rattle springs can
be fitted in Service should any brake pad rattle be
experienced.
Upon application of the brakes, the hydraulic
pressure generated in the system causes the pistons
to apply equal pressure to each brake pad In pro­
portion to the foot effort applied to the pedal.
When the brakes are released, the hydraulic pres­
sure is relieved and the pistons and brake pads
remain In position for the next application. In this
manner, pad wear is automatically taken up thus no
manual adjustment Is required.
After negotiating a ford, water splash or when
driving on flooded roads, it may be necessary
to dry out the brakes to restore full braking
power by a few light applications of the
brake pedal. It is also advisable to do this after
or during prolonged driving In wet weather, under
circumstances where the brakes are not In use,
such as may occur on motorways etc.
BRAKE PADS
The friction linings are bonded and riveted to
their backing plates and can therefore only be
renewed by the fitment of complete new brake pad
assemblies.
It should not be necessary to bleed the system
after replacing the brake pads.
When. replacing the brake pads, the opportunity
should be taken to examine the condition and fitting
of the rubber dust covers (Item 17 fig. 2). The
method of removing the dust covers Is given under
"Callpers--to dismantle".