7 replies to this topic

[lkopferschmitt]

I was on my way home last night when suddenly i heard loud rattling coming from the rear wheel on the drivers side. i put on my hazards and stopped in a lay-by, and had a look at the rear wheel.

 

I could see liquid dripping from the brake drum, and the brake pedal was really soft, and it could go all the way down and the car took far longer to stop than normal.

 

 i had to drive home, and as i accelerated the wheel would rattle, but wasnt in time with the wheel turning, it was sort of random bursts of rattle. 

i got home and the drum was still leaking and in the morning there was a large puddle, about 1ft in diameter on the floor.

 

 

i very little mechanical knowledge and ive only covered 1000 miles in the car since i bought it which was in the beginning of december. 

[Jordie]

DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN!

 

You have brake fluid leaking from the rear, which is why the pedal is soft and poor.

 

Sounds like the rear brake cylinder as gone pop or something is loose inside the drum.

 

Jack and support car, remove wheel, remove drum retaining screws, remove drum. If it wont remove, you need to slacken the adjustment off at the back of the drum. Now you are able to inspect inside and if you come back with a photo we can advise further.

 

Once the fault is repaired, all of your brake system will require bleeding as you have driven the car and used brakes, allowing air into the system.

 

If you dont feel confident, ring a garage to recover the car, DO NOT DRIVE IT.

[Carlos W]

Do as above!

Except where he says don't drive the car again, obviously once we've helped you fix it you can drive it!

The adjuster on the rear of the drum (square end) may need soaked in penetrating fluid, and make sure the screwdriver you're using to undo the drum retaining screw is a good fit!

You're going to need new shoes as they'll be contaminated and a new wheel cylinder!

A pic when you take the drum off is going to be interesting!

Do you have a Haynes manual?

I will reiterate one thing! DON'T DRIVE IT UNTIL ITS FIXED! Complete brake failure is imminent and the handbrake isn't going to stop you as its contaminated on one side

[Jordie]

Haynes manual and a brake adjusting spanner should be part of mini ownership. Been able to adjust your own rear brakes would benefit most owners, aswell as keeping the adjusters free.

 

I use an impact driver on the drum screws if they are tight, if you round it, you need to drill it out. You might find they arent even fitted in some cases, which is ok aslong as your wheel doesnt come off (so best to have them fitted).

[lkopferschmitt]

I have a haynes manual and i will lift the car up and remove the wheel, have a look and take pictures of the damage...

[Carlos W]

New wheel cylinder and shoes are going to cost you under 30 quid.

 

You'll need to change the shoes on the other side too, but you get both sides in a set.

 

You'll also need some brake and clutch cleaner to get rid of all the brake fluid from the drum and back plate, and some brake fluid to bleed the system.

 

One issue you may face is getting the brake pipe from the old wheel cylinder.

[Jordie]

And fitting the wheel cylinder clip....fiddly gits sometimes.

[lkopferschmitt]

this was the cause of the problem:

 

new one is fitted, brakes have been bled and he's all washed and polished