12 replies to this topic

[Carlsmini]

Hi people. Recently I've been cleaning up my engine bay and yesterday I found a warning sticker at the front of the engine bay. The sticker said 'Warning Asbestos. Asbestos can be dangerous. For advice, read owners manual'

Should I be worried?

Does anyone know more about this? I own a 91 Cooper if that helps.

Thanks

[Carlsmini]

Is asbestos used in the clutch somewhere maybe?

[minidaves]

head and manifold gaskets

[KernowCooper]

May have refered to the brakes and clutch back along, and the older type of composite gaskets which had this in the construction

[lsto]

Asbestos was commonly used in brake and clutch linings years ago because of its resistance to heat. I'm not sure about manifold gaskets but I imagine its possible. Long as your not getting an airline and blowing out the brakes and clutch you should be ok. Its only dangerous as a dust, in which case a decent face mask should provide adequate protection if you decide to change the clutch or brakes etc.

Just another thing to note that asbestos has not been used in the motor industry for a number of years now so I dare say in your cars life any affected parts have already been replaced. In any note asbestosis is usually aquired from years of exposure so I wouldn't worry too much...

Regards

[Carlsmini]

Ah ok thanks. I thought it might have been used in the brake and clutch linings. I wasn't too worried as my car has had a lot of work done to it before and after I bought it so I'm pretty sure that its all been removed by now. I was just mostly curious really as I didn't realise asbestos was still being used in car manufacture as late as the 1990's?? I thought the health hazards of asbestos had been discovered and banned from further use as insulation by then?

Edited by Carlsmini, 23 April 2013 - 08:10 PM.

[cal844]

it MAY have asbestos, depends on the manufacturer

[1984mini25]

It may also simply of just had the sticker just so you couldn't sue rover at the time.

[Ipod]

I smoke 20 a day, it wouldnt bother me

As said was there most probley due to the brake linings and clutch, as it was used back in the day.
new materials are used that wont kill you (unless you eat them)

[Dusky]

To contributo to this  topic : in the old copper cylinder gaskets is asbest.

Edited by Dusky, 14 December 2013 - 10:22 PM.

[Ethel]

It's possible there's some white asbestos, it wasn't banned until '99 but I think it's quite likely it wasn't used from a fair bit earlier. I've even seen the warning stickers flogged as retro accessories. 

[Tamworthbay]

As Ethel points out it would have been white (as opposed to blue) asbestos which is nowhere near as dangerous. If you live in a 60/70s house or have a garage from that era then odds are you will have white asbestos boards in it somewhere. Unless damaged it isn't dangerous at all, and even when damaged, as mentioned above, you need prolonged exposure to get serious damage. That said its always worth taking simple precautions anyway. You don't need to go crazy but sniffing old brake linings isn't a good idea. Just wash down any dust you find and dispose of the old linings carefully.

[minimadben]

crysotile white asbestos is bloody everywhere , the best way to get rid is don't disturb it ( as best as possible) , wet it up a bit a light spray will do it as long as your not moving fibres into the air your safe just be aware that as soon as fibres are in the air dont breathe , so wear a mask just to be on the safe side .