Donald Pender front brake parts and specs

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Steve_Norton

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Aug 9, 2025
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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
 
Steve_Norton said:
My question is where do I get spare parts, a photo is not necessary .
Click to expand...
Note you can sometimes reach Don via Direct Message/Conversation messaging on this forum...use the little envelope icon upper right corner next to your user name. He goes by Madass140 username.

When I DM'd him some time ago about what to use for replacement MC seals on his 13mm re-sleeving kit on my bike, here is what he replied:

"I don't have part numbers but ask at a Honda shop or mastercylinder repair shop, worse case scenario I could send some to you by post office air mail but that's a bit inconvenient for me and that can take 3 weeks to 3 months to arrive, no tracking etc"

Cheers.
 
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...
Just remember whatever fluid you go for Dot 4 & 5.1 if necessary can be mixed.. but Dot 5 cannot be mixed with anything, and as stated the circuit and components must be thoroughly cleaned if you intend to use Dot 5 in an existing system.
 
Dot 5 does get water into it, it pools in single glop at the bottom. A regular flush, which is recommended for all brake fluids anyway, will remove it. If its been in there for some time it will have a rust coloured tinge, next time flush earlier.
 
I have one of Dons complete kit on my bike and it works perfectly but if I were to do it again I would go with DOT5.Even being very careful,a small drop ruins the paint and not easy to re-do.
Mike
 

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