overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Technical advice Q&A

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kgb123
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#1 overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by kgb123 » Sun Aug 31, 2025 10:01 am

Morning,

I've just started work on component parts of the IRS, Break calipers have been first to get attention, stripped, cleaned and zinc plated.

Well there are numerous brake upgrades available and various prices, my car when back on the road is not going to be used for anything to strenuous so decided to stick with my Dunlop pots and give them some love.

Wondered if there was any advice from folks who've done this in terms of "Go - NoGo" criteria. For me I'm just assessing general condition (see pics below of cleaned bits) but wanted to check that there wasnt any measurements or specs that might rule using these again.









Thanks
Kevin 1968 S1 2+2
1968 Series 1.5 2+2

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abowie
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#2 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by abowie » Sun Aug 31, 2025 9:11 pm

The sealing surface is inside the cylinder. Pitting on the piston doesn't matter; it just carries the seal.

Yours are probably pitted enough that they will leak although hard to tell from the picture. You would need to have them resleeved if that's the case.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB. 1979 MGB.
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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kgb123
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#3 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by kgb123 » Mon Sep 01, 2025 6:22 pm

Thanks for the feedback Andrew.
Ive been more interested in the sate of the pistons, now having taken acloser look at the cylinders, all are at best marked at worst pitted.
I'll take a look at re-sleeving options.
Kev
1968 Series 1.5 2+2

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kgb123
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#4 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by kgb123 » Mon Sep 01, 2025 6:31 pm

Anyone got any suggestions on where to get brake cylinders relined.
Google search turns up a number of companies but I'd be interested in past experiences and recommendations from anyone who's had this done.
Kev
1968 Series 1.5 2+2

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mgcjag
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#5 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by mgcjag » Mon Sep 01, 2025 6:35 pm

I priced up getting cylinders re sleeved....I didnt need originality....it was cheaper to buy new.....there are some good quality items available....Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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#6 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by Desmo » Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:26 pm

Hello Kevin,

have a look at this company:

www.pastparts.co.uk

I had the cylinders of my FHC resleeved here some time ago.

Regards
John

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#7 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by abowie » Tue Sep 02, 2025 2:13 am

Consider these. Modern seal design.

https://mossmotors.com/8777-2-cp-cobalt ... t_products

I have installed a rear set on a friend's car. So far so good.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB. 1979 MGB.
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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#8 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by kgb123 » Thu Sep 04, 2025 8:25 pm

Thanks for the feedback gents
1968 Series 1.5 2+2

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#9 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by kgb123 » Sat Sep 06, 2025 12:46 pm

Only managed to get a price for relining the cylinders from one company, cost was high and as with Steve originality not an issue for me so gone with Zeus Stainless Steel pots as replacements.
Kev
1968 Series 1.5 2+2

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#10 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by DWW » Sat Sep 06, 2025 1:22 pm

Another option is to upgrade to four pot calipers and vented disks if you are in to skipping originality. Not cheap but peace of mind for sure.
Danny

1962 S1 3.8 FHC (1012/1798)
2015 Range Rover Sport SVR
"Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

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#11 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by kgb123 » Fri Sep 26, 2025 10:57 am

Morning, in the process of rebuilding the handbrake and rear brake callipers having had parts plated.
In relation to the handbrake mechanism, is there a recommendation regarding the grease that's used in and around the handbrake pawl, ratchet mechanism etc? When I stripped them down there seemed to be some standard copper anti seize grease, some what I would call a standard multipurpose grease, but also around the ratchet mechanism there was a white grease compound.
Is temperature an issue in relation to the grease used given proximity to brake callipers?
Cheers
Kev
1968 Series 1.5 2+2

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#12 Re: overhauling dunlop break cylinders and Pistons

Post by mgcjag » Fri Sep 26, 2025 11:41 am

Plenty of options for brake grease if you google...I like white ceramic...use sparingly....Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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