ive got some wilwood calipers and they all take npt threads which dont sem to be self sealing. can i use ptfe or is there something special to use?

many thanks,

Russ.

Threads are generaly not used for sealing in braking systems, it's the flare on the end of the brake pipe that does this.

NPT threads should seal if you do them up tight enough, thats why they are tapered....

David

cheers flak monkey! dint know they were tapered! duh.

My calipers had NTP threads, however to get to a seal I used copper washers.

I did not like the way the threads tightened, its also not a good idea to rely upon the taper if possible, as above brakes rely on the flare or copper washers between machined surfaces.

I shortened the end of the flexi hose (landrover 90, Goodrich braided very cheap), as long as the caliper has a machined flat surface you are fine doing this.

It also means that I get the best of both, taper seal & washer !

Regards Mark

[Edited on 10/12/06 by mark chandler]
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Be careful you don't over tighten though - you can crack the casting! As already mentioned, if the correct fitting is used they should seal easily.

npt threads are self sealing.

using a copper washer on them is pretty dodgy as they won't necessarily engage to the correct depth and may lack mechanical strength.

A copper washer is a bad idea as you may not get full thread engagement. If you are worried then use some liquid thread sealant and locker which means you will not have to nip it up so tight, reducing the risk of casting cracks.

The real fix is to drill and tap it to a parallell thread and get rid of the awful tapered thread. Then take the lesson onboard and never buy anything with a tapered thread again!

Is it clear I dont like them??


John

too true John, but I really can't be bothered to strip my brand new calipers to bits to drill them out........that can wait!