Clay’s Wedgewood Blue FB Ute

[Errol62]

Deleted check valve.

FB ute driver, EK van project

[Errol62]

Not as much progress as I had hoped this long weekend, but did get two surfs in and 4 1/2 hours on Rafferty’s learners logbook.

Front shocks, sway bar and grease nipples fitted up.

Couple of the caliper pistons look to have some pitting. They are also a bit knocked about around the dust cover lip area. Will probably look for new ones.


FB ute fixer upper, EK van on rotisserie

[Errol62]

Called in at power brakes SA as I was out that way this morning. They said the hardening may have worn off the pistons but it is not wear I'm looking at, more corrosion. They wanted $50 per piston so will try some other sources. Seen them for 30 on eBay. Yes I'm getting tight (er).

FB ute driver, EK van project

[Errol62]

Good news. Car Parts Plus have them for $27 each. Bit better than $50! These guys are unreal.

FB ute driver, EK van project

[Errol62]

These suckers.

Got some rear shocks as one of the old ones off the sedan appeared to be stuffed and not damping that side rear. Matt black hmm. Match Patrick's Ute. They quoted different shocks for commercial vehicle wtf. Monroe, now made in China!

FB ute driver, EK van project

[62ekute]

no hot rod orange?

[Errol62]

Putting calipers and steering arms back on, have four short bolts which seem correct for the calipers, with thick spring washers. Then have two long and two mid size bolts, no spring washers, to bolt up the steering arms. I think I will put the longer bolts at the rear as these also capture the backing plate and hose union bracket, even though these add up to less than 2mm extra thickness. These have good thread embedment without any spring washers but the mid size ones seem a trifle short. I am hoping someone (Rob) can confirm please. I'm sure these are the bolts thst came off so must be correct. I only have stick and drum HR assemblies to compare, which are a different setup. They appear to have bolts through the backing plates and stub axles, with nuts securing the steering arms.

FB ute driver, EK van project

[Errol62]

no hot rod orange?

Well, no...
Can't bring myself to paint them. They look good as is.

Brakes should be Mickey mouse now. I'm going to see how the vh44 goes for now. If I'm not happy I have a vh40 to put on but thinking of concealing it under the rear floor, and possibly running dual circuit, but this will require front drum compatible rear brakes, unlisted, with booster working k my on the front discs. No way am I going to muck around with firewall mounting a booster in front of the master (famous last words).

FB ute driver, EK van project

[Errol62]

Broke out the Rocket Red engine enamel and gave the type P16 shells a coat over some 458 etch. Needles to say............

I like it!!

FB ute driver, EK van project

[Errol62]

If anyone has a HR shop manual please tell me the torque settings for caliper halves and mounts, and steering arms.


FB ute fixer upper, EK van on rotisserie

[Harv]

Caliper assemby to steering knuckle bolts (7/16") 40-50ftlb
Hub to brake disc screws (3/8") 23-33 ftlb
Backing plate attaching screws (1/4") 4-6 ftlb
Brake pipe bracket attaching bolt (7/16") 40-50ftlb
Booster to mounting bracket bolts (3/8") 30-35ftlb

Cheers,
Harv

[Errol62]

Many tanks harv. The caliper halves themselves don't have a spec?

FB ute driver, EK van project

[Harv]

Not that I can see.

Cheers,
Harv

[ardiesse]

Clay,

According to GM-H, you're not supposed to separate the caliper halves. AFAIR, there are two 3/8" UNF bolts (35 ft.lb), and two 7/16" UNF bolts (45 ft.lb) holding the halves together. These tightening torques are from the "that seems about right" manual, and I've had no trouble.

You have got the right caliper-to-steering knuckle bolts. But HR steering arm bolts are different for front discs than for drums: in a drum setup the bolts go through the backing plate, steering knuckle and steering arm, and are secured by spring washer and nut against the steering arm; whereas in a disc setup the steering knuckle is threaded, and the bolt goes in from the steering arm side. You probably have two bolts from a disc setup and two from a drum setup. The correct length is that which does not protrude through the steering knuckle when tight.

Installation of the outer dust seals in the calipers: Fit the seal to the caliper body, then lube up the outside of the piston and the front surface of the outer seal with brake grease, then gently push the caliper piston in while twisting it. You may have to encourage the lip of the seal outwards with your fingers. As you push the piston home, the lip of the seal will click into place in the groove.

Rob

[Errol62]

Thanks Rob. Very helpful. Pretty hard to get the pistons out without splitting. I have overhauled these Sam e calipers once or twice before but not had steering arms off. May have to source correct length bolts from m th favorite fastener supplies, although set up has functioned without fault thus far.

FB ute driver, EK van project