I have several vacuum-over-hydraulic brake controllers disassembled and am cleaning and servicing them.

The delicate internal rubber diaphragms have a coating of white aluminum dust on them.

What can I clean these with that will not be detrimental to their health and well-being ??

Also, is there something I can wipe/spray on them that will extend their life, with no danger of shortening it ??

I was thinking something along the order of that Magic Dressing stuff that NAPA sells in $25 gallon jugs.

What are your thoughts on this ??


Also, where can I buy new replacement diaphragms ??

Thanks.

 

Here in California they told me it is illegal to sell parts to rebuild any part of a vacuum booster or actuator system because of liability. Guess they think someone will put it together wrong and kill himself.
Yet they let the unskilled workers rebuild them at the rebuild shops.

 

A link, or phone number to a good rebuild shop would also be appreciated.

Actually, these things are so simple inside that a complete embecile (like me ) would have a hard time making a mistake.

The catch is finding replacement parts.

They charge about six hundred bucks for a new unit, and worth every cent for the killer braking they do; but, the price is ridiculous for what you actually get = a simple clam-shell seperated by a diaphragm, with a few threaded ports.

I bet the cost per production is less than five bucks per unit.


So far, all of my diaphragms look okay, except for the coating of aluminum dust that has covered some of them.

Does anyone know if carefully cleaning them with NAPA Magic Dressing is a good idea ??

Thanks.

 

What do you think the aluminum dust is from, dry bushings? What side of the chamber is it vacuum or atmosphere side?
We used to have a company called Power Unit that did a good rebuild job but they went out of business, now most of them come from a company called All Star. Where nobody understands my native language.
I have had bad luck with most of their remanufactured products; maybe they are just not up to my expectations.

Jim

 

It has to be just aluminum corrosion from the inside of the aluminum clam-shell housings; as, everything else is either rubber vacuum hoses or brass fittings.

Both sides are dusty.

I called Lucky "B" of Cookeville, TN, and the lady, that has worked there for twenty-five years, said she could special order new replacement diaphragms for $46 plus shipping to her, plus then shipping to me.

Kinda steep for a simple little rubber membrane, sandwiched between two little pieces of tin.

So far, none of the ones I have are leaking; but, as hard to find as this stuff is getting, I would feel better to have a couple of spares on hand.