The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Brake Wheel cyl.

I'm reassembling the rear wheel cyls. on my 2 ton and I have aluminum and steel pistons. Which would be best? I'm guessing the steel, but I don't know about the corrosion factor.

Hy Chris's 46/515, My vote (if that counts for anything) is for aluminum. Brake fluid is hydroscopic and the moisture it will attract could rust your ferrous parts together. The more your truck sits the more likely you'll encounter problems.

Chris's 46/515 I put slicon grease (ignition) on aluminum pistons,then if they set I don't think they stick as bad. Can't use anti-seize has oil in it.

The "steel" ones are called sintered iron. Much better then the aluminum pistons. If the unit sits for about 2 or more years the alum. ones will be stuck.
George

35 years ago i had an old car the pistons were sticking. I read in hemmings motor news that people were using silcone brake fluid in old cars. So i honed out all 4 cylinders installed new rubber cups bleed the system to try to get all the new fluid in. I still have that car sometimes it maybe a year or 2 between driving it and the brakes have never locked up again still works good like when i did 35 years ago.

29tons Iuse ignition grease a lot because it does'nt hurt the plastic on so much stuff today,maybe that break fluid is the silicone oil I have been hunting. Have always used DOT break fluid.

WrenchbenderRet Haden't noticed much difference,my garage apron slopes so pull up there and see if truck rolls back easily. If it does your OK. My 72 ton would't roll back right front like a heating stove,swapped in a used caliper fixed it !!