Wheel cylinder rebuild kit recommendations

[AR67GTX]

I’m changing out wheel cylinders on my 66 as part of an effort to switch brake fluid types. Although the old DOT3/4 had gone pretty bad the first wheel cylinder I removed looked pretty good inside. I would like to clean them up and rebuild for spares as I have a 66 and 67, both with all 11” drum systems.

Has anyone had any positive kit recommendations, or conversely bad rebuild kit experiences? It looks like Dorman kits are the most available but there are a few others that show up here and there. I’ve had trouble finding Raybestos WC rebuild kit listings.

Thanks

 

[Bird 426]

There's not a lot to the rebuild kit, as long as the parts are correct. Are we switching to DOT 5? I did, never looking back.

 

[XS22J8R]

Kits for wheel cylinders and master cylinders have been getting discontinued in recent years. For ones that are still available, there may well just be one manufacturer, and if you find different brands, it's the same part but sourced from the one manufacturer making them. Just be glad if you can find anything available for your application!

 

[AR67GTX]

Kits for wheel cylinders and master cylinders have been getting discontinued in recent years. For ones that are still available, there may well just be one manufacturer, and if you find different brands, it's the same part but sourced from the one manufacturer making them. Just be glad if you can find anything available for your application!

OK - good thought

There's not a lot to the rebuild kit, as long as the parts are correct. Are we switching to DOT 5? I did, never looking back.

Yes, I have run it in a 66 Vette for 30 years with no problems so I’m flushing and replacing with it. Tired of firewall paint damage.

 

[Billccm]

In the latest YouTube video from Rocket Restoration they claimed some master cylinders would fail premature with DOT5.

 

[XS22J8R]

I'd like to see some evidence that there is actually an issue with using DOT5. We all know quality of auto parts has gotten worse in recent years. So if some brake master cylinders fail when using DOT 5 is that because the seals are affected by DOT 5, or was it because they were bad quality seals to begin with and would have failed with DOT3/4 too if that had been used?
DOT 5 has been factory fill for some brake systems like for the government in military and USPS fleet purchases.

 

[threewood]

I bought a few Raybestos kits through RockAuto some time ago and they looked like new old stock, made in the USA. Could just be luck of the draw, though.

 

[AR67GTX]

I’ve heard those reports too. I’m past putting any stock in them. Bogus in my opinion.

 

[mrhemi]

I have had Dot 5 in my Charger for over 40 years with no issues. Put it in my boat trailer brakes a few years back as well. I think most of these negative reports are bogus or the result of incompetence.