VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION General Discussions Wheel Cylinder Honing Stones

Today I went to the AAP (where I usually try for parts first because they are nearer to me), told the lady clerk that I need some replacement wheel cylinder honing stones. She didn't have a clue but after I explained she did show me some piston honing stones. She's usually pretty good at knowing what you ask for but didn't know about wheel cylinder stones.

Went to O'Riellys. Asked the same thing of a female clerk there. She said, "What?" (you should have seen the look on her face) I showed her the tool and explained its function. Still no clue. She referred me to an older male clerk. Maybe in his fifties or so. He looked at the tool and I told him what I needed. He went to the computer and asked, "What year?" I told him that it didn't matter what year. He said they didn't have any.

Went on to NAPA. Told the male clerk what I needed. He came from around the counter, walked over to the "help tree" picked off a set and asked me, What else can I do for you today, sir?"

Now this is not anything against female or any clerks for that matter. It merely demonstrates that everything is moving on to calipers and old stuff is disappearing. Nothing more.

If you want some stones you can get them at NAPA. The red and gold card number is 266.

Just thought you'd like to know.

Anyone else run into this sort of thing?

Best,
Charlie

In todays world,everything is "throw away". I'm surprised anyone knew what you're talking about. When I was in high school the local clutch shop would rebuild any clutch fairly cheap, I haven't seen a clutch shop in many years.Wheel cylinders are the same. Most guys just get the Chinese wheel cyl. and go on down the road. smiles.

http://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/Brake_Wheel_Cylinder.html

I tried to get a Valve Grinding Gasket Set at NAPA. Same problem. Went to Genuine Auto Parts. The man walked back picked up a set and away we go.

Did you ever try to buy a part when the computer is down. It can't be done. I had the part in my hand and couldn't buy it.

fort wayne clutch will rebuild clutch discs and pressure plate. that's all i've used in my restored vettes,restored antique chevys, street rods and racing vets. never had a problem with their rebuilt products. and they are usually half the cost of new clutch pieces. mike

There's a garage in Baton Rouge that rebuilds clutches and brakes. While I can drive right to it for the life of me I cannot remember its name.

Being older and busy with several other projects I got an esitmate for rear drum brake lining replacement on my 91 S-10 Blazer. The estimate included new wheel cylinders. I kind of objected as I have seen a lot of complaints about new wheel cylinders lately. The result is it seems all this stuff now gets here on a slow boat to china (or from)and is not good quality at all. I suggested replacement kits. Nope won't do it as the shop does not want the liability of a failuer causing an accident. A friend recently bragged about the low cost of wheel cylinders from a national chain, 6,000 miles later and 200 miles from home a rear one blew out, full of rust. Now there are several reasons for rust but that is a little soon after a brake job.

Sears still has replacement honing stones that fit KD and others. Less than $4.00 for the three stones.
Richard