13 replies to this topic

[PAS MINI]

Hi,

I have a 1974 Mini clubman auto, and the inline brake light switch failed (the brakes were fine tho) i have now replaced the switch, and did some work, which included back plates on the front and new drums and shoes.

When i first bled the brakes you could not a get a pedal at all, then after loads of bleeding (5 litres) there was not one bubble, but for the brakes to work you have to pump them once.

i am at my wits end with it......

Put 5 litres of brake fluid through it, with no bubbles showing.
Replaced the brakelight switch again (just in case)
Chocked the brake pedal down for 24 hours the system held the pressure.
There are no leaks anywhere.
Bled in the correct order.
Used manual method and ezibleed.

The master cylinder is only 12 months old.

I have had a garage try and fail, a mini specialist also try and fail. The best we can all get is one pump then you get a pedal.

The brakes were perfect before the the switch failed.

I am at my wits end with it, and before i do anything I regret, can someone help me out.

Any advice would be gladly recieved......... please please help !!!

[Shifty]

Are all the brakes properly adjusted?

Have you tried to use an ezi-bleed?

[PAS MINI]

They are correctly adjusted, tried jam jar method and Ezi bleed kit, the only thing not tried is reverse bleeding.

Thanks.

[FinnMini]

eezi-bleed was my choice too , tryed 4 different methods , only eezi-bleed worked .

Edited by FinnMini, 29 April 2012 - 04:49 PM.

[Shifty]

When you used the ezi bleed did the fluid come out of each nipple at the same rate or was one slower than the other?

[PAS MINI]

It came a little slower out of the passenger side front. Left them chocked again last night, they are a little better, but still not right. The first Lucas switch failed catastrophically, bit worrying that really.

Thanks

[Shifty]

Collapsed rubber brake hose?

I had a very similar problem with the brakes on my estate, just couldn't get a pedal. Replaced everything, master, bias valve, still nothing. I noticed that the fluid on the passengers side came out a bit slower than the rest,

Turned out the passengers hose had collapsed and was acting pretty much like one way valve. Changed it and perfect!!

Same thing has happened to a few mates as well.

[PAS MINI]

Thanks, i will look into that, i am getting so frustrated with this !!!! Just seems to be one problem after another with this car at the moment.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Watching this with interest,
I have the same issue when my brake light switch failed.

Now I cant get a good pedal and I an re sealing my master cylinder as we speak

[tiger99]

I think you have air trapped in the highest point of the system, the bend of the pipe above the master cylinder. It is an absolute swine to get it out.

I suggest (no guarantees!) that you put the Eezibleed on, at its maximum rated pressure and full of fluid. Open the nearest nipple, press pedal very fast, and hold down. Close nipple quickly. Release pedal. Repeat as many times as it takes. Obviously two people are neeed.

This works because if the rush of fluid is fast enough it will take the air with it, but you have to get all the air to the open nipple or it will just creep back up to the highest point again.

If renewing the brake pipework, you may wish to think about avoiding the potential for trapping air.

There are several other places where air may also be trapped, same trick of very fast pedal press with the appropriate nipple open seemed to work ok for me last time I did it.

I assume you did adjust the brakes up tight before bleeding? You can always slacken them afterwards, but having them tight minimises the need for fluid displacement except for flushing out air.

[Shifty]

T

Watching this with interest,
I have the same issue when my brake light switch failed.

Now I cant get a good pedal and I an re sealing my master cylinder as we speak

Too tight to buy an new master then??!!

Did you check the rear flexis?

[mk3 Cooper S]

LOL, Yes, the seal kit was less than a fiver

New rear flexi's

[alexw89]

Have you changed any of the wheel cylinders or are they the same as before? Only reason I ask is because I've heard there are different cylinders and if they are too short for the shoes that pump needed to get them to work could be it taking up the gap?

I might be way off but just a thought

[mk3 Cooper S]

I have cahnged virtuallu everything now.

New rear cylinder but it will lock the rear brakes on the inch of pedal that I have !!