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Metal Or Plastic Type Brake Cylinder?

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#1 Miki Leyland

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 11:19 AM

Hello all,

 

1973 Mini with single line and metal type reservoirs from factory. Couple of years ago the original brake master cylinder was replaced by a newer plastic one, which seems to be failing so soon now. 

 

Although more expensive, If I had to purchase another one I am temped to buy the original metal can, but I have no reference about the quality of the ones manufactured Today (if they are Chinese crap prone to failure or if they are like in the past) neither about the plastic type available at Minispares for example...

 

Any experiences? Is any type supposed to be better than the other one?

 

Comments appreciated



#2 Curley

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 02:36 PM

Do you still have the original?



#3 Miki Leyland

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 02:47 PM

Do you still have the original?

Unfortunately no



#4 Curley

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 02:58 PM

Shame. Part like this can be kept alive almost forever with a service. You don't say how your current one has failed. 

 

MiniSpares warn about using the correct fluid specs.



#5 Miki Leyland

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 03:05 PM

Shame. Part like this can be kept alive almost forever with a service. You don't say how your current one has failed. 

 

MiniSpares warn about using the correct fluid specs.

I wish I'd knew too :D. Always used DOT4.

 

Anyway I think I read somewhere that repairing kits are mostly intended for maintenance and not for repairing once it has failied because it is the metal inside which is worn or corroded, but I don't have experience in this.



#6 Curley

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 04:05 PM

So if you're unsure how your master cylinder failed & you not experience mechanic then swapping it our for a new one will be quicker and cheaper. However, I'm still not 100% sure I understand what exactly is wrong with your master cylinder, how have you determined it's the master cylinder at fault?



#7 Chris1275gt

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 04:45 PM

Might be worth checking this you never know:-

https://miniworld.co...safety-grounds/

#8 hunterg30

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 05:11 PM

Buy a metal one from somerford minis £78 . Don't buy the one advertised on eBay for around £80 he does not have them in stock you have to wait a couple of weeks , messed me around for over a month

#9 Spider

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 06:56 PM

Fair enough if your mind is made up on Tin vs Plastic - they both do the job and you should get reasonable service from either.

 

Personally, I prefer the Plastic types. They are easier to fill, at a glance you can see the fluid level and they seem less susceptible to moisture in the Reservoir. I have also had way better life from the Plastic Tanks than Tin.



#10 Miki Leyland

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 07:50 PM

It was my mechanic who is almost certain my brake failure is due to the MC but will confirm this week. I was just gaining time deciding which type is best before I order a new one.



#11 Miki Leyland

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 07:50 PM

Might be worth checking this you never know:-

https://miniworld.co...safety-grounds/

Thank you



#12 Miki Leyland

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 07:51 PM

Buy a metal one from somerford minis £78 . Don't buy the one advertised on eBay for around £80 he does not have them in stock you have to wait a couple of weeks , messed me around for over a month

Thanks for the advice. So there are more than one manufacturer out there?



#13 Miki Leyland

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Posted 05 September 2020 - 07:57 PM

Fair enough if your mind is made up on Tin vs Plastic - they both do the job and you should get reasonable service from either.

 

Personally, I prefer the Plastic types. They are easier to fill, at a glance you can see the fluid level and they seem less susceptible to moisture in the Reservoir. I have also had way better life from the Plastic Tanks than Tin.

Yeah, seeing the level is a clear advantage... I'm on 4 drums now. Could I put the Cooper bigger one from now, just in case I decide to convert to discs in the future? Thanks



#14 hunterg30

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Posted 06 September 2020 - 04:50 PM

Buy a metal one from somerford minis £78 . Don't buy the one advertised on eBay for around £80 he does not have them in stock you have to wait a couple of weeks , messed me around for over a month


Thanks for the advice. So there are more than one manufacturer out there?
somerford ones have Lockheed pressed on them and are the same as original





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