11 replies to this topic

[lucas1amps]

hi all ive just put my mini back on the road first time in 15 years with drums all round, the brake pedal every now again went flat to the floor. I've tried rebleeding all of the brakes again but this doesn't seem to make a difference I also adjusted them up and its was better but the pedal got worse on the way home. when the brakes do quick in on the 2nd or 3rd pump of the pedal the fronts judder bad. I have noticed the nearside rear when the bleed nipple is undone you can see the drum works but it dripples out fluid? possible blockage? the car has had new wheel cylinders, shoes and lines and even a new brake master cylinder. there's got to be air in the system surely? anyone had this problem? many thanks luke

[Captain Mainwaring]

If they are a long way out of adjustment it will make bleeding a pain as the return springs will keep forcing the pistons back. I'd try adjusting them all again, and next time when you bleed them have someone push the pedal down hard while you crack the nipple - the fluid should jet out then.

To be honest, they work, but I hate bloody drum brakes!!

[lucas1amps]

I had my mate stamping on the pedal at one point and got nothing will try adjusting and bleeding the system through again had braking issues with the mini last year got that sorted the morning of L2B! not hoping for a repeat!

[lrostoke]

Have you adjusted the front ones in the right direction..

 

Its been a while but I think its turn the adjuster in the direction the wheel spins.

 

Could be if you went the wrong way they are losing adjustment.

You also need to adjust the fronts so there is a fair bit of friction,

[lucas1amps]

I adjusted them till they locked then knocked them back half a turn you can hear the shoes just brushing the drum

[mattbeddow]

Have you replaced the hoses and fluid?
Sometimes old fluid can do this too

[lrostoke]

1/2 a turn is probably to much for the fronts they work on a cam and its a fine line between locked and just rubbing ..

[lucas1amps]

brand new fluid and lines fitted any chance of air in the master cylinder or compensator can cause it maybe?

Edited by lucas1amps, 24 May 2013 - 08:30 AM.

[lucas1amps]

still had no luck still 3 pumps of the brake pedal to stop

[lrostoke]

As a test adjust all the brakes so they are locked on..then see what happens.

 

Work backwards from there, slackening each corner in turn.

[lucas1amps]

ok il give it a go

[Captain Mainwaring]

I'd bleed the brakes with the adjusters on hard - then you know you can take adjustment out of the equation - if you manage to get a pedal then you know adjustment was the issue.