23 replies to this topic

[David128]

furthest is the way I was taught .. but could be done different depending on brake split ., diagonal split or front back split

[PaulColeman]

Thanks all for the tips. I've never clamped the flexible brake lines for fear of damaging them. When I changed the wheel cylinders I just plugged the ends of the copper pipes. I'll do another full bleed during the week when I have more time and re-adjust. I bled them according to the Haynes Manual single circuit diagram.
 

I should be playing rugby in Milton Keynes tomorrow. Depending on where you are in/near Bedford, I could drop in on my way home to lend a hand (if still needed!)
 
Let me know...

That's a very kind offer thank you but I'm taking my 1976 Lotus Esprit to a car show tomorrow so the Mini will have to stay in the 'dog house' for a while.
 
Cheers, Paul.

Edited by PaulColeman, 02 April 2016 - 07:38 PM.

[Ethel]

Hose clamps are more rounded, moles will do the job if you're careful to pad the jaws well and not over tighten. Stick the mole's jaws in a couple of big enough sockets.

[Stiggytoo]

Ngl I can't be bothered to read previous comments, but drums are quite sensitive to adjustment. Make sure the new shoes are bedded in, adjust them as close as you can without binding. (remember there are two adjusters on each front backplate, along with the two rears)

[Wim Fournier]

I can't explain 'how come', but several times I was helped in my trials to get loose of all air in the system by slackening the nuts a bit that hold the pipes tight into the body of the mastercilinder each on turn. So that air trapped  there could escape. Keep a rag at hand to catch the drip of fluid that will come out with the air. After all this is the highest spot in the system and air seeks to get there. You best do this after the car has been sitting at rest overnight.

[PaulColeman]

We re-bled the brakes again (for the third time!) and the pedal is now a lot firmer. I then re-adjusted all the brakes and took it for a drive. Initially it was pulling to the right and then after a while of braking it started pulling to the left? Then a short while later is seemed to be pulling a lot less so I'm not sure what the hell's going on there? But the brakes are a lot better than they were which is progress!

 

My Daughter is going to take it for a drive tomorrow to see if a bit of use will sort it out. I'm wondering if I may have swapped the drums over when I had them all off. I kept the fronts/backs separate but may have inadvertently swapped the front left/right or rear left/right?

Edited by PaulColeman, 03 April 2016 - 06:39 PM.

[David128]

probably just bedding in .. have a drive on a quiet stretch be a bit aggressive on the brakes or drive with the foot brake slightly on get some heat in. then adjust .. well done!  

[MRA]

probably just bedding in .. have a drive on a quiet stretch be a bit aggressive on the brakes or drive with the foot brake slightly on get some heat in. then adjust .. well done!  

 

You may have to do this a few times to get the shoes to match the internal radius of the drums..... but to be honest you would be better off fitting new drums and shoes and keeping them adjusted on a regular basis till you upgrade to discs, or just bite the bullet and buy new disc assembly for the front.

 

One thing, don't get too much heat in as this can then lead to fade

[PaulColeman]

I will upgrade in the summer when my Daughter returns from Uni but it won't get used much until then :)