Swepco 201 and ATE brake fluid where to buy in Canada

[Brent Lineker]

Hi All:I am planning to change my tranny and brake fluid this winter.I am currently using swepco in my 915 transmission as far as I can tell from previous records and would like to stay with it.For all the Canadian pelicanites where can I buy this up here, specifically in the Vancouver area.I would also like to change brake fluid what do you recommend and where can I get it.Thanks..

[Trog]

www.weissach.com

1757 2nd Avenue West
Vancouver, BC
(604) 738-3911

[benzyne]

Weissach usually has it in stock. If you phone ahead to SCAN they could probably get it in for you. SCAN is in North Van ... which would save you a trip into town as I notice you're from the Sunshine Coast.


scanautomotive.com

1118 East 3rd Street
North Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-980-4542

Targa Performance is also on the North Shore. http://www.targaperformance.com/

1397 Welch Street
North Vancouver
604-984-4338

Personally I use Swepco in the tranny and Motul RBF for brake fluid.

[Brent Lineker]

Thanks a lot Trog and Benzyne,I will give both a call as I am in Van today..

[Gunter]

Brent:
Any DOT3 brake fluid is o.k.
The important part is that you change the fluid every 2 years and excercise the caliper pistons often, meaning:
Every time the wheels come off, use large channel-lock pliers and squeeze the pistons back by grabbing the metal part of the pads and the caliper body with the pliers.
Then push the pistons forward again with the brake pedal.
Do that 2-3 times.
This prevents the pistons from freezing/rusting.
As for the transmission oil, JW in Seattle who is THE man for 915 rebuilds uses GL5 80/90 VW oil.
I have tried both oils and found not much difference.
If the synchros, sliders, dogteeth are gone, no wonder oil will fix that.
Good shift bushings, good clutch components and proper adjustments makes the 915 perform.
Go ahead, use Swepco but make sure that you can open the fill-plug before you drain.
Inspect the residue on the magnet.

[Inniswhe]

Is there a mail order source of Swepco in Canada or a US supplier that ships to Canada, I am in PEI and will need some when I refill my tranny after replacing the axle seals this winter (leaking) ?

[Brent Lineker]

Thanks Gunter:The tranny is shifting just fine but the fluid is now about 6 or 7 years old as far as I can tell,I picked up some ATE blue for the brake fluid and will "exercise"the pistons and calipers when I change the brake fluid.What size hex head does the tranny drain and fill plug take,is 17mm the right size?

[Gunter]

17mm sounds about right, I'll have to check.
Important: If you have the internal hex Allen plugs, you'll need to make up a little tool to avoid problems; a regular L-shaped Allen key will not work because the hex is too shallow for the key to seat.
Spray some penetrating oil onto the threads of the plugs. (WD-40 is NOT penetrating oil)
Then do this:
Get the right size 17mm? Allen key, grind off a short piece (~2") with a Zip--blade, put that short Allen piece into the corresponding 1/2"drive-socket 17mm? and try it with a 1/2" ratchet or breaker bar.
The short Allen piece has to be completely flush at the end that goes into the plug, no rounding off the edges so that it can really bite into the shallow hex of the plug.
Also, clean out the plug so that there is no dirt or oil remaining.
The torque for both plugs is 18 ft-lbs.
Don't over-tighten because the thread is tapered (NPT) and the plug acts like a wedge.

To fill the transmission, I found a cheap hand-held pump very effective.
It works like a big bicycle pump with a longer hose added.
The hose diameter just fits into the filler hole.
While you are under there, check the wear the transmission mounts: there shouldn't be too much space between the rubber and the big convex washer, M12 thread, 19mm socket, 58 ft-lbs.