Rear work went pretty well; old calipers came off without much persuasion needed, new hoses all hooked up and covered/slacked awaiting the calipers. I replaced the compensator hose with no issues, and zip tied the lever up to open the valve. So far so good.
Moved to the fronts, and got both off without issue, careful to bag the wedges in separate baggies marked top and bottom. Took brake cleaner and wire brushes (small hand brushes as well as a drill mounted 4 in brass) and cleaned/polished all the caliper surfaces, then scrubbed the wedges down. I was generous with the synthetic caliper grease, and was pleasantly surprised by two results. First, the calipers went right back into the yoke with a "tilt" just like Haynes claimed 30 years ago (had to tap the wedges out to get the calipers off the yoke on removal). Second, once bolted back onto the yoke and in place, both calipers were able to be moved just that little bit laterally! And....both rotors/hubs turned freely!! First time doing ANYTHING with brakes in my life. Could not have done it without the forum! Can't wait for the rears to get here.....
Now on the annual "put away" task list: lube the wedges.
Neil
, but it means I have an extra evening to go exploring. More as I learn it....
), so the system is at pressure. I duct-taped the slit leak in the coolant tank as a temporary measure, and thoroughly dried the surfaces underneath...still dry. Truck brakes this weekend, then back on the jacks for the Fiat and a long look at all the fastening points. I no longer believe I have a leaking line, but I'll be searching carefully.