3 replies to this topic

[rod998]

I've got a 1982 Mini HLE,
A couple of years ago i overhauled all the brakes, fitted discs to the front with new hose's. The rear drums were fully done, cylinders,shoes,pipes... i also fitted new (refurbished) brakes master cylinder.
Everthing has been fine for the last 2 years until the other day.
The pedal is normally a good solid push but it dropped further than normal. Now this is happening all the time. I will sit in traffic with foot on the brake and it drops slightly, then a wee bit more then more then right to the floor. But if i come off the brake pedal and push it again its solid again...
Its a split system with no servo... any ideas?

[cambiker71]

Sounds like master cylinder to me, if you push the brake pedal quickly does it feel firm but when pushed lightly like in traffic it creeps to the floor? If so then suspect the master cylinder, obviously check for leaks or wear throughout the system first though.

[rod998]

Thanks, unfortunatly thats what i thought but was kinda hoping it wasn't! Yeah, its fine when you push it quickly then creeps to the floor like you said.
I've bleed the brakes through 3 times today and checked for leaks, but every joint & pipe is dry that i can see!

[cambiker71]

Thanks, unfortunatly thats what i thought but was kinda hoping it wasn't! Yeah, its fine when you push it quickly then creeps to the floor like you said.
I've bleed the brakes through 3 times today and checked for leaks, but every joint & pipe is dry that i can see!

Master cylinder it is then, pushing it sharply makes the seals deform slightly and seal like they should, whereas pressing it lightly will allow the fluid to pass the seals so the pedal travels down. I'm not a big fan of resealing master cylinders, they work but usually only for a relatively short time as you've found out.