Brake failure, but I don't understand why

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jamesmartin said:
buy a new one
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Range Rover or Master Cylinder?

'Fraid I just don't entertain modern motors with computers in control of everything. My RRC doesn't even have electric windows or mirrors, let alone those contankerous engine management CPU thingies. I don't particularly LIKE the fact that it does have (sort of) central locking. It's more trouble than it's worth.

Johnny.
 
lorri789 said:
I think I'm heading the same way guys. I think so much gunk over the years has finally wrecked mine. Can anyone vouch for service kits?
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Brakes will be either Girling or Lockheed (AP). Maker should be on cylinder, get one of their kits and you can't go wrong. Lube everything with a little brake fluid as it is assembled.
 
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I think my question got lost among the rest of the chat ...

Anyone got any recommendations for type/make of Brake fluid?

Whilst renovating the M.cyl, I intend to do a complete flush out and renewal of fluid in all brake lines.

Johnny.
 
jwm said:
I think my question got lost among the rest of the chat ...

Anyone got any recommendations for type/make of Brake fluid?

Whilst renovating the M.cyl, I intend to do a complete flush out and renewal of fluid in all brake lines.

Johnny.
Click to expand...

Any brake fluid that meets the specs in the manual is ok.
 
I've decided to rebuild the MC and all the calipers. The parts are so cheap it seems silly not to, and I also have some extended braided lines to fit, might as well do it all in one hit!!
 
I did the calipers as well. Turns out one brake cylinder was pretty much welded in. I tried air, grease gun, heating and cooling and it wouldn't budge. Still, saved a tonne of money doing them myself.
Fitting the wiper seal retainers can drive you potty, but I found a good way..... ;)
 
I bit the bullet and ordered a complete new master cylinder from Rimmer Bros. C.card said "Ouch!", but only the best for me baby truck, eh!

I guess the SS sport exhaust is gonna have to wait a little longer though.

Johnny.
 
Funny you say that.

I ordered a rebuild kit for all 4 calipers and the master cylinder.

Took the masker cylinder off today, small sign of seepage at the back of it.

Also took the calipers off how I wish I hadn't. Some of the fittings had attached themselves securely to the brake pipe, current count is 3 new brake lines needed, although I expect it will be more like 6 when I'm finished.

Best invest in some MORE tools then.
 
The annoying thing is that I've not been able to reproduce the fault. The brakes still seem to be in good order, but I'd hate to experience it again under motorway conditions. Thankfully it first happened at 5mph in reverse. It could have just been a bit of crud that's now moved on, but I just daren't take the chance as this time of year there are often grandchildren in the back seat. So 'til it's sorted we're all slummin' it in the Corsa shoppin' trolly.

Johnny.
 
new calipers and m/c..do the job properly..brakes after all.

also they are cheap..(espically compared to death)
 
I just decided to do the whole lot. If your calipers are in a state, then the chances are that the whole brake system is needing a good fixn'

You'll notice the difference. It's amazing the crap you will find inside stopping the pistons retracting the whole way.
 
Fitting the new MC and a full bleed through to change all the fluid, SEEMED to solve the problem OK, but the ol' Classic doesn't get a lot of use.

Yesterday I took it on a 50 mile tour all around Snowdonia, and returning home down a narrow single track lane, the exact same fault returned. Had to put it into the hedge a couple of times to avoid oncoming traffic, but we got through unscathed. Needless to say, I didn't mention the almost total loss of brakes to my passengers. They just assumed the hedging incidents were just my usaual mad driving. On re-joining the A5 for the last leg though, full braking ability returned again.:confused:

So, taking note of the two previous posts, here bigins a total caliper strip down, and probable replacement, on all four wheels. I haven't started explorations yet, but have noted that, peering through the front nearside wheel, the caliper is shiny black with what could be melted neoprene or burned rubber. It isn't brake fluid, and the MC reservoirs are still full. Maybe this will give me a clue to the problem. At least it's a pointer to which wheel to start exploring first.

I've got new HD springs and shocks to fit on each corner too (as she has a definite 'Who ate all the pies?' stance.), so I just know that this Indian Summer will now change back to constant drizzle as soon as I start jacking it up. But I'm determined she WILL be fully ready for use this Winter.

Johnny.
 
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jwm said:
Fitting the new MC and a full bleed through to change all the fluid, SEEMED to solve the problem OK, but the ol' Classic doesn't get a lot of use.

Yesterday I took it on a 50 mile tour all around Snowdonia, and returning home down a narrow single track lane, the exact same fault returned. Had to put it into the hedge a couple of times to avoid oncoming traffic, but we got through unscathed. Needless to say, I didn't mention the almost total loss of brakes to my passengers. They just assumed the hedging incidents were just my usaual mad driving. On re-joining the A5 for the last leg though, full braking ability returned again.:confused:

So, taking note of the two previous posts, here bigins a total caliper strip down, and probable replacement, on all four wheels. I haven't started explorations yet, but have noted that, peering through the front nearside wheel, the caliper is shiny black with what could be melted neoprene or burned rubber. It isn't brake fluid, and the MC reservoirs are still full. Maybe this will give me a clue to the problem. At least it's a pointer to which wheel to start exploring first.

I've got new HD springs and shocks to fit on each corner too (as she has a definite 'Who ate all the pies?' stance.), so I just know that this Indian Summer will now change back to constant drizzle as soon as I start jacking it up. But I'm determined she WILL be fully ready for use this Winter.

Johnny.
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Don''t like the sound of that.

I've rebuilt the MC, and now I have all 4 callipers off for replacement.

Let me know how you get on!!
 
i have also had this problem in a classic it turned out tobe rear pads were sticky then over heated the brake fluid = no brakes sorted out b/calipers sorted the prob.
 
No progress as yet. I took off the N/S/F wheel this aft ... Doh! oo' feels silly ... the black sticky stuff was Waxoil, what I'd sprayed around when the wheel was off to get at the bleed nipples.:eek:

Caliper and pipes all look good here, but whilst the wheel's orf I will carry on and change the spring and shock on that corner.

I've managed to loosen all neccessary nuts & bolts but one, and will wait 'til some assistants arrive tomorrow before proceeding to dismantle fully.

Meantime ... Anyone got any tips on how to loosen/remove the bottom shock nut? I can't get a ring spanner on it as the centre rod sticks down too far. I've managed to jam the shock with a pipe wrench, but haven't succeeded in turning the nut with an open spanner yet. Hopefully a second pair of hands and a short scaffold pole persuader will move it tomorrow, but I'm expecting an open C spanner may slip and damage the shoulders.

Johnny.
 
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