ESM disc brake kit

[BaritoneUke]

Starting to prepare to put an ESM steel hub ford disc brake kit on a 1957 2 door (note to self: get a tub of lithium grease pronto). Some good instructions came with it (when I did the marina version quite a few years ago they weren't so detailed, and I remember having to source the calipers). Anybody had problems doing this conversion?

Also planning to put polybushes on while the front is up in the air.

[King Kenny]

Hi BaritoneUke, I fitted Ford based disks from Owen Burton around thirty years ago. The best thing I have ever done. I am still on the original brake pads and have never had a problem. As far as I can recall, it was a straight forward, nuts and blost swap. My Instructions called for the removal of a small seal in the master cylinder. I expect yours do too. At that time I also replaced the rear cylinders and flexible hoses. As a Copper/nickel brake pipe set was fitted I used silicone brake fluid. No more seized cylinders!

MC Mod.jpg (25.72 KiB) Viewed 7105 times

[philthehill]

When I fitted the Grumpy's Marina disc brakes to my Minor the instructions were hand written but very comprehensive . The kit was purchased and collected direct from Grumpy's when he was just outside Oxford.
I still have the instructions on file.
When you fit the poly bushes especially the eye bolt ones it pays to fit a grease nipple.

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Grease nipples can also be fitted to the underside of the top trunnion so as to grease the top trunnion poly bushes.
When fitting new bushes to the tie rod - fit a rubber bush to the rear of the bracket for articulation and a poly bush to the front of the bracket for braking resistance.

[BaritoneUke]

Thank you for feedback. Like the grease-nipple idea.

[BaritoneUke]

As a Copper/nickel brake pipe set was fitted I used silicone brake fluid. No more seized cylinders! MC Mod.jpg

Good idea...think I'll go silicone fluid too, got to make the most of not having ABS

[ndevans]

Re using silicone fluid-is it a straightforward replacement for normal, or do you need to flush repeatedly to remove all trace of the old?

[King Kenny]

It would not make any sense to mix it with std fluid. It will mix but will defeat the object. Best to use when you do a complete brake overhaul. At least then you can be assured everything is up to standard.

[ndevans]

Thanks.
So if replacing std fluid with silicone, I need flush the system thoroughly?

[King Kenny]

"if replacing std fluid with silicone, I need flush the system thoroughly?"
Very thoroughly. Any old fluid will negate the benefits of using silicone. As you are changing the front brakes I would strip the original rear brake cylinders and replace all the flexables if they are old. The original pipes would flush through OK, but you would benefit from copper/nickel pipes. Fitting these is easy, once you get the old pipes off. It is a big job but well worth it. Don't skimp with your brakes!