ALFA friendly brake specialist Northern Melbourne?

[Al Campbell]

Pedal went soft this morning on the way to the train station. Few nervous moments pumping. I assume I'm leaking fluid from somewhere, but I haven't had a look yet.  '83 GTV6 and have been meaning to re-build the sticky rear callipers for a while. I'm undecided whether to do it myself or just take it someone. I was thinking of taking the rear callipers to BGT in Hawthorn for a re-build, but it seems they moved from Hawthorn  few years ago to either Vermont or Dandenong, which is a little far from Heidelberg. What concerns me is the complexity of the rear callipers on a 116 car, would be a little unsure of one of the major chains.

I'm in Heidelberg. No doubt Benincas would do it, but does anyone know of someone in say Templestowe, Doncaster Thomastown etcetera? Any suggestions?

Guess what I'm working on over the weekend?

Thanks, AL.

[pep105]

Hey AL

Try Vince Sartor at Milano Spares in Thomastown 9462-2138 he may be able to help

Cheers
Pep

[Sheldon McIntosh]

I would recommend Bruno or Giancarlo at Maranello-Pursang in Brunswick, close to you in Heidelberg.  I recently had my rear brakes rebuilt by these guys.  I took the brakes off myself (which was a mission in itself and only possible with Bruno's advice) and then took them to Bruno to rebuild.  Brakes are one thing I like to trust to the professionals.

[Al Campbell]

Thanks Guys,

I was thinking of Marenello. It's a few years since I've done any brake cylinders and if there's any pitting I'll need the professionals.

Turns out the flexible tube on the rear is leaking at the crimp on the end near the three-way union. And of course the sensor on the float in the master cylinder reservoir isn't working, so the reservoir was empty but the warning light didn't come on.

The flexible tube was pretty loose so I tightened it and gave the pedal a few pumps. Seamed fine, no sign of fluid leaking. Then I started the engine and gave the brake pedal a damned good shove. Should have been gentler 'cause there was fluid all over the diff and de-dion cross member. Parked in the drive-way is the best place to pop a brake hose I guess.

If I have to do a bleed after replacing the tube, I may as well pull the rear callipers and have them re-built. New disks as well. And if the rear flexible tube has gone I may as well replace the front tube too. Then may as well do the front callipers also. And find a master reservoir that has a working sensor. At least the front disks are new.

Hasn't improved the wife's opinion of the ALFA. I was supposed to be taking her on to work in the ALFA after dropping the Subaru off for a service this morning. I thought calling it a Piece of S*** was a bit harsh.

AL.

[flighty]

Harsh isn't the word for it!

A little understanding and sympathy was all the situation called for!!

My wife has been driving "my" Alfas for 6 years now, and after a while they get used ti it!