Brakes failed

[chickenjohn]

It sounds to me very much like the master cylinder has failed - the seals can fail after a long life and you get loss of fluid into the chassis leg. As they changed the shoes at the same time, it sounds to me that they renewed the wheel cylinders and not he master cylinder.

If you are not confident at DIY ask the man at your local branch to direct you to a local Minor repairer.

It should not be too expensive to replace the master cylinder.

[kennatt]

Has the master cylinder now lost its fluid,after the refill. If its still full then as BM says you may have only spilt fluid and that's now on the floor and adjustment may be the answer. If low on fluid then system is leaking somewhere and need investigating

[Offshore]

Hi Liammonty - thanks for the post about the inspection cover. I'll try and have a look tonight while the wife is out

With regard to the drums do I take it the rubbing is normal when the shoes are adjusted correctly and may be disuaded from rubbing by a few gentle taps on the drum with a rubber mallet?

Need to check the pistons etc on each wheel as I forgot at the weekend. Oops.

[bmcecosse]

Yes - light rubbing is ok - they will very quickly wear in with a road test. But as above - if fluid level is dropping, the brakes are unsafe and must be investigated properly before using the car again.

[Offshore]

Having spoken to our local branch chair and moggy guru I had a look at the master cylinder. Dry at the back wet at the front where the pedal is attached. Offer was made to supply from ESM new Lockheed unit and fit. Car collected last night with no fuel in it and sticking starter motor. Car now returned with invoice which I hope will be reasonable! Work highlighted a couple of oil leaks but she has always been work in progress and a flexy rear brake hose wet with axle oil. Yet more work.

Thanks for the advice guys. Appreciated as always. Sad to have resulted to experts but delighted to have made contact with a genuine all round old fashioned Gentleman. Rare breed.

Can't wait to leave work and get home for a drive...

[bmcecosse]

Hope it's all going well now...

[Offshore]

Hi Bmcecosse - yep she's going superb. Couple of engine leaks notified which I know about and a rear axle leak which I didn't. Cost of the job £37.50 plus parts and VAT. As the Manx reckon they taught you Scots to be careful I am delighted to pay the bill.

Stops on a sixpence now. Just got those leaks to fix but at least she's back on the daily commute.

Cheers.

[bmcecosse]

Well done - and you have found a reliable repair source now. Must be a 'substantial' business if he charges VAT. Or perhaps different rules in IoM?

[firehor5e]

Only hit drums on front face,as hitting from sides could cause distortion,loose and tight spots,brake pedal vibration etc.. Loose wheel nuts and loose m/c cap,sounds like the original job was not finished correctly to me??. Hope you get it sorted soon.

[chickenjohn]

Having spoken to our local branch chair and moggy guru I had a look at the master cylinder. Dry at the back wet at the front where the pedal is attached. Offer was made to supply from ESM new Lockheed unit and fit. Car collected last night with no fuel in it and sticking starter motor. Car now returned with invoice which I hope will be reasonable! Work highlighted a couple of oil leaks but she has always been work in progress and a flexy rear brake hose wet with axle oil. Yet more work.

Thanks for the advice guys. Appreciated as always. Sad to have resulted to experts but delighted to have made contact with a genuine all round old fashioned Gentleman. Rare breed.

Can't wait to leave work and get home for a drive...

A failed master cylinder will always be wet at the front because thats where the seal is! As I said, it sounded like failed seals on the master cylinder!

[Offshore]

Hi guys.

Master cylinder has gone rusty inside so seal failed. Just back off holiday so had other leaks attended to whilst away as the garage is within walking distance of our airport.

The substantial business is just that - commercial garage with owner perusing his passion for Minors and putting it through the books. No postage on spares as they constantly order parts so almost bulk buy.

Really chuffed to have found a decent specialist and one with a passion for it as well.

After others locally have told me my gearbox needs rebuilding (it doesnt) my clutch is shot (it isnt) and my engine needed to come out to be resealed (it didn't - needed timing seal) I can now continue to enjoy the car with professional back up when I need it.

[bmcecosse]

Happy days !