25 replies to this topic

[b_sdaddy]

Dear All,

 

have noticed lately, than there are some drops of brake fluid appearing under the NF drum.

 

Have just taken off the drum, prior to checking exterior nuts are tight, and one of the cylinders inside is caked in black goo.

 

I imagine the goo is a cocktail of brake dust & brake fluid.?

 

The foremost of the two 'cylinders' is bone dry.

 

 

Brake efficiency is as normal but can see that a few drops here & there are mounting up - so much so that I had to 'top-up' the reservoir.

 

 

When I win the lotto, then I'm going to fit discs - It's a 1978 Mk4 on 10's.

 

DIY fix or something bigger.?

 

Wait until I get discs..........??

 

 

Cheers as always

[Cooperman]

It is slave cylinder failure. You would be best to change all 4 cylinders (2 each side) for safety. It's about an afternoon's job. Then re-fill with fluid, bleed out, adjust brakes and 'jobsagoodun'.

Check for brake fluid on the brake linings and fit new shoes if necessary.

An easy DIY job.

[ChopperHarris]

At least do the one if the discs are on the horizon soon

[KernowCooper]

Change all 4 to be safe if there not leaking it wont be long before they will be

[b_sdaddy]

Cheers All..

 

off to minispares website (again!)

[timmy850]

Give the rubber flexi hoses a good check over too. It'd be the best time to replace them if you are changing the cylinders, especially if they are getting old.

Not worth skimping money on the brakes

[b_sdaddy]

Cheers All.

 

just had a look at minispares and there's these:

 

http://www.minispare...px|Back to shop

 

these are under REAR drums and are described as for 'LATE' minis. (no brake pistons listed under FRONT brakes)

 

Mine's a 1978 Mk4 (non UK manufacture - EU)

 

would these be the ones I need.?

 

cheers

[gazza82]

Not if the fronts leak .. they are different iirc.

Try http://www.moss-euro...-drum-type.html

Edited by gazza82, 14 June 2015 - 04:36 PM.

[markyB]

No you will need front wheel cylinders ,also consider changing the brake shoes on the front as they will most likely be contaminated with the leaking brake fluid. Make sure to clean the backplate and inside of the drums thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove any contamination also

Edited by markyB, 14 June 2015 - 04:43 PM.

[b_sdaddy]

Not if the fronts leak .. they are different iirc.

Try http://www.moss-euro...-drum-type.html

cheers for this:

 

the catalog gives two numbers per side: GWC126Z and GWC126

 

but as the default 'basket' setting is x2 per item, they cant be 'sets' - can someone have a look and tell me why there are 2 numbers; one with a 'Z' and one without,

 

both sold as singles and without the Z at the end of the part No. its double the price £7 vs. £14...???

 

cheers

Edited by b_sdaddy, 14 June 2015 - 05:07 PM.

[A-Cell]

Or
You could just clean it up and replace the seal, until you convert to disc
Seal kit available at Somerford Mini
http://www.somerford...roducts_id=3640

[markyB]

I would imagine that one is an original part and one is a copy part hence the price difference

[b_sdaddy]

Yes, would seem the obvious conclusion, but you can never assume...

 

What do you all think about the repair option. It's not that I'm scrimping, but if the repair kit is offered, then surely there's a demand.? I am going to discs, probably not this year though. If I start adding it all up, including new rubber hoses....

 

Rather go for the interim 'quick-fix' and go for discs next spring - with shinny new kit and braided hoses!

 

Surely a new seal will suffice.?

 

(reminds me of the joke; What do walruses & Tupperware have in common.?)

[A-Cell]

Unless you are in a hurry, no reason not to just replace the seal. It's what we used to do all the time. It's the cheapest option.if it does not fix it (because the bore is too badly worn/corroded) then go for a cylinder change.
Hope it is a Tupperware moment for you!

[b_sdaddy]

Unless you are in a hurry, no reason not to just replace the seal. It's what we used to do all the time. It's the cheapest option.if it does not fix it (because the bore is too badly worn/corroded) then go for a cylinder change.
Hope it is a Tupperware moment for you!

Good Call A-Cell.

 

Will get a cheap repair kit, address the leak & hope for a Tupperware moment. If that fails, then I'll go for new pistons.

 

Cheers!