Donald Pender front brake parts and specs

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Steve_Norton

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Just bought a 1974 Norton Commando with the Donald Pender front brake. The previous owner bought this but had no documentation.
What is the type and DOT of the brake fluid?
Where can I get brake pads and master cylinder rebuild kit?
I tried emailing madass140@gmail.com a couple weeks ago and got no reply.
 
I have Don’s master cylinder on my ‘72, but with original Lockheed caliper and brake disc. Use DOT4 brake fluid.
 
Steve_Norton said:
Just bought a 1974 Norton Commando with the Donald Pender front brake. The previous owner bought this but had no documentation.
What is the type and DOT of the brake fluid?
Where can I get brake pads and master cylinder rebuild kit?
I tried emailing madass140@gmail.com a couple weeks ago and got no reply.
Click to expand...
Don is often away on trips. Try him again and be patient. He sends no instructions with the kit.

Look at the picture under April 20, 2024 for the fluid I used last time here: https://gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton/Combat231019.aspx
 
ILLF8ED said:
I have Don’s master cylinder on my ‘72, but with original Lockheed caliper and brake disc. Use DOT4 brake fluid.
Click to expand...
I have Lockheed DOT 4 for the Triumph for rubber brake components
marshg246 said:
Don is often away on trips. Try him again and be patient. He sends no instructions with the kit.

Look at the picture under April 20, 2024 for the fluid I used last time here: https://gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton/Combat231019.aspx
Click to expand...

, this seems to be a modern master cylinder.
 
Steve_Norton said:
Just bought a 1974 Norton Commando with the Donald Pender front brake. The previous owner bought this but had no documentation.
What is the type and DOT of the brake fluid?
Where can I get brake pads and master cylinder rebuild kit?
I tried emailing madass140@gmail.com a couple weeks ago and got no reply.
Click to expand...
If it's new and hasn't had fluid in it I would strongly recommend using Dot 5 (not Dot 4 or Dot 5.1)
Dot 5 is silicon based, not glycol, so doesn't absorb water and won't damage paint.
Its only downside is poor response to negative (vapour) pressure so shouldn't be used in ABS systems - not a problem for you.
It is not compatible with glycol products so can only be used on new systems or ones that have been emptied and thoroughly cleaned using replacement seals etc.
Cheers
 
Jah Robbie, that's what I always understood. If you had a clean new assembly, run what you want. I run Dot 5 in my 74, all new system with no problems. 96 Harley, Dot 5 recommended. Whatever, maybe some of the Analists will chime in? :)
 
Steve_Norton said:
Just bought a 1974 Norton Commando with the Donald Pender front brake. The previous owner bought this but had no documentation.
What is the type and DOT of the brake fluid?
Where can I get brake pads and master cylinder rebuild kit?
I tried emailing madass140@gmail.com a couple weeks ago and got no reply.
Click to expand...
Like Greg Marsh says,keep trying as he has always gotten back with me on various questions.You will like that brake kit. I haven’t had to touch mine since I installed it other than yearly fluid flush.
Mike
 
robs ss said:
...
Dot 5 is silicon based, not glycol, so doesn't absorb water ..
Click to expand...
You make it sound like that is a good thing ?
The fact that it does not absorb water is a negative IMO.
Any water that DOES get in will collect in the caliper and cause corrosion or even boil.
A tiny drop makes a lot of steam. You don't want that to happen..
In brake fluid specs you'll find a wet and dry boiling point.
'Wet' = 4% water.
I use DOT 5 for my rear brake, but not front.
 
Last edited:
IMO, stick with Dot 3, 4, or 5.1 (if you don’t care about the extra cost). Then replace it every two years and you will never have an issue.
I do my Norton every year when I replace the brake fluid on my ABS bike. The cost of the ABS unit is so costly that a quart of brake every year is no big deal. A quart will do my 3 bikes and some left over.
 
ludwig said:
You make it sound like that is a good thing ?
The fact that it does not absorb water is a negative IMO.
Any water that DOES get in will collect in the caliper and cause corrosion or even boil.
A tiny drop makes a lot of steam. You don't want that to happen..
In brake fluid specs you'll find a wet and dry boiling point.
'Wet' = 4% water.
I use DOT 5 for my rear brake, but not front.
Click to expand...
You could use your argument to support preferentially using ethanol in petrol.
I will stick to Dot 5 thanks
 

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