30 replies to this topic

[lewBlew]

I wouldn't worry too much. There's asbestos and there's asbestos. The asbestos once used in brakes, clutches etc, is white asbestos which, although still harmful (like most materials used in cars!) is 500 times less harmful than blue and brown asbestos.

[Dusky]

I wouldn't worry too much. There's asbestos and there's asbestos. The asbestos once used in brakes, clutches etc, is white asbestos which, although still harmful (like most materials used in cars!) is 500 times less harmful than blue and brown asbestos.

Never knew that! thankyou :)

[lewBlew]

Don't go licking it and rubbing it all over yourself though, just in case.

[Dusky]

Don't go licking it and rubbing it all over yourself though, just in case.

Hahha wont do that ;)  I was always wearing a dust mask when removing brakes etc ;)

[KernowCooper]

I lost count of all the brake drums I saw blown out with a air line years ago, then we had to spray it and brush out, but most of us guys are still alive, where as those who dragged on the weed (fags) some are gone.

Edited by KernowCooper, 26 February 2014 - 04:08 PM.

[Rog46]

Don't go licking it and rubbing it all over yourself though, just in case.

Hahha wont do that ;)  I was always wearing a dust mask when removing brakes etc ;)

The troubles with asbestos are -
1. the fibres are so small they go straight through most filter masks! So beware of "comfort masks" that do nothing, and even with good masks check the filter spec to see what it is for, one for fumes is useless against dust and most good dust masks won't filter down to the size of asbestos fibres!
2. the fibres will get onto clothes and you will breath them in when you take your clothes off!
3. It can still kill you 20 years later!

[Rog46]

I lost count of all the brake drums I saw blown out with a air line years ago, then we had to spray it and brush out, but most of us guys are still alive, where as those who dragged on the weed (fags) some are gone.

Only most still alive ? Most of those dragging on the weed last a while too. We've just buried my mother in law. She stopped smoking 30+ years ago but it got her just the same in the end. Whatever causes some of those breathing problems Its not a nice way to go, not worth taking any more risk than you absolutely have too!

[tiger99]

The best thing to do with small quantities of asbestos is to wash it down the drain with lots and lots of water.It ends up in the sea, and sea water ultimately destroys it.

 

I am far from happy about using brake cleaner aerosols, as many garages do. Where does the asbestos dust actually go, when the cleaner evaporates? Think carefully about it. I suspect that it ends up on the workshop floor, where it gets kicked about by everyone's feet.....

[Dusky]

I used brake cleaner and then I cleaned it up with paper towels, should get most of it... also I do think aqbestos is more dangerous when breathing it in frequently..

[sonikk4]

Peeps if in doubt wear a good quality mask and certainly one that is rated for Asbestos. I lost a very good work mate to Asbestosis 13 years ago. He was due to retire as he was 63. He developed a tickly cough that just would not go so further investigation was required.

 

The consultant diagnosed Asbestosis and within 14 months he was dead. As a young lad he used to help strip linings from old chimneys and this was where the Asbestos was.

 

There is not a good Asbestos, period!!! you disturb it and breathe it in then you are playing with fire. 

[tiger99]

But to return to the original topic, why not line the bulkhead with this:

 

http://www.dynamat.c...tion/hoodliner/

 

That way you get nuch better heat and sound insulation, and a surface that should stay cleaner than the original material.

[jaydee]

Guys the bulkhead foam is NOT sound insulation, its a fire retardant and thermical shield..and Nick is correct when wondering it may cointain absetos. 

Although the 'A' warning on minis refers to clutch and brake pads which cointained absetos.

[Dusky]

Googled it,its just sprayed plastixs..

[tiger99]

I agree, the stuff I have seen (different on each of my Minis, spanning a production period of 23 years) seemed to have negligible use as thermal insulation, and after some years was not much use for sound insulation either. There was nothing in its appearance to suggest that there was any asbestos content. But modern materials can perform both functions, so my preference would be to use them where possible. It may seem a bit "soft", making a Mini quieter, but the fact is that if it is quieter you will enjoy driving it more, and will be less stressed, so will drive more safely. I would far rather add decent sound insulation than rubber subframe mounts!

 

The "boy racers", with any kind of car, who make them noisier by fitting less efficient silencers, stripping out insulation, etc, are missing the point. Yes, you may have to do such things in a competition car, but on the road a quiet and refined car, but with the braking and handling carefully optimised, will do better than some horrid, noisy torture chamber.

 

But, being a matter of personal choice, everyone will do what they want, regardless. Us humans are not all that good at making optimum choices. Some even buy feeble, insipid Nissans or Daewoos, or obscenities like the X5 or Touareg, so I am told.... I once had an L reg Opel Rekord, a car with absolutely nothing whatsoever to commend it, bought only because I was financially challenged at the time and it was cheap. Keeping it going in engines and carburettors turned out to be even more challenging.

[_Ad_]

The best thing to do with small quantities of asbestos is to wash it down the drain with lots and lots of water.It ends up in the sea, and sea water ultimately destroys it.
 
I am far from happy about using brake cleaner aerosols, as many garages do. Where does the asbestos dust actually go, when the cleaner evaporates? Think carefully about it. I suspect that it ends up on the workshop floor, where it gets kicked about by everyone's feet.....

It's a good way of getting rid of it badly!

It is still one of the strongest and most withstanding materials known to man, hence it still being around in many buildings etc that it was installed in during its peak, and there is absolutely no way salt water can break it down- if it did there is no way I would be in a job as I'm an Asbestos Surveyor!

It's never worth cutting corners when working with asbestos of any type, and thinking "it'll be alright, it's not hurt me before".

Asbestos related illnesses such as Mesothelioma and Asbestosis typically have a latency period in which they develop, which is typically between 10-40 years after first exposure.

For short duration, one off work cleaning off an carburettor gasket or brake lining, at least use a disposable P3 rated welding mask and plenty of surpressant (Fairy liquid and water in a spray bottle will do). Anything less than P3 isn't worth using as the fibres can pass straight through the filter material.

Hope this helps!