5 replies to this topic

[Minxy1986]

I am in desperate need of some help with my mini (basically im on the scrounge) i need brake shoes fitting and wheel cylinder repaired for next to nothing. I have the parts but unfortunatly my mechanic is my 75 year old grampy who is limited by replacement hips and knees. My mot is due very soon and my tax and other domestic vampires have sucked the blood from my bank account. I dont know what a garage would charge as i already bought the parts.
Any one fancy being a pink minis hero? Or advise me please
Xxx

[Ethel]

Wheel cylinders can be little buggers; it's not uncommon to need to replace the brake pipe too. You might find a knight in shining overalls if you say where you could get the car to.

[Its a min]

Hi Minxy!
I take it you are talking rear brake cylinders! It's a pretty straight forward job if you fancy getting your hands dirty but as Ethel says, wheel cylinders can be little buggers!
Here's what needs to be done!
1) Make sure the car is parked on level ground and check your brake fluid isn't low! (top up if necessary).
2) Jack up the rear of the car (use axle stands to support the car, don't rely on the jack). Chock the front wheels and release the hand brake.
3) Remove the wheel.
4) Remove the screw holding the drum to the hub
5) At the back of the hub is a square ended adjuster. This needs to be slackened off which will allow the drum to be removed (you may need to gently tap it with a rubber mallet to loosen it).
6) Once the drums off, you'll see the brake shoes slotted in (one end where the adjuster is, one end into the brake cylinder) and held together with two return springs.
7) Gently prise out the shoes (making a note where the springs are attached and which way around they are)
8) At the back of the cylinder, unscrew the brake pipe being careful not to lose too much brake fluid and plug the end of the pipe.
9) Remove the circlip holding the brake cylinder in place and remove the cylinder.
10) Fitting the new shoes and cylinder is the reverse (remember to fit the cylinder gasket that should have come with the new cylinder and make sure the circlip is not damaged and holds the cylinder tightly in place).
11) Once it's all back together, turn the adjuster just so it restricts the wheel from turning then release the adjuster a quarter of a turn at a time until the wheel just turns freely
12) Bleed the brakes (or have someone do it for you) for safetys sake. You may not have lost much fluid but it can return up the pipe causing air to get in the pipe.
13) Lower the car and take it for a test somewhere quiet to make sure all is working as it should be.

If you were closer to Central London, I'd happily give you a hand but maybe there is another kind soul out there closer to you who can help keep another Mini on the road.

Good luck!

[Ethel]

If you do have a go yourself hold the "nut" still and turn the wheel cylinder to avoid twisting the pipe (once you've levered off the clip). There are special spanners with a slot to fit the brake pipe through.

[Minxy1986]

Im a proper girl pants when it comes to cars i no how to switch it on and drive thats about it lol im in wiltshire so if you know of anyone who is not gonna rip me off around the area lol x

[Ethel]

How about chatting up the staff in your local Halfords or motor factors? They are likely to be reasonably techie minded and into cars enough to handle a spanner, they might be tempted by a few beer tokens with the added bonus that they can get parts cheaper.