28 replies to this topic

[john2502]

Hi all

So driving home from work yesterday I wasn't sure if it was my imagination but the brakes felt a little soft. This morning definitely not right so had to park it back up, it brakes but wouldn't like to drive it like that for sure, very spongey.

 

I use the car regularly (daily) so it definitely seems to have come on fast. I've had a quick look but had to get off to work, no obvious fluid leaks around reservoir etc but on checking the level does seem a little low (see image attached, although hard to get a clear picture). But then if the level has just gone a bit low would it come on so suddenly? It is definitely low but not hugely below the mark.

 

My plan is to get some DOT4 to top up, give it a small test. If no improvement then wheels off to check for any leaks and check condition of pads/discs as well probably. Can you get any potential air out of the system by pumping with the cap off (well, loose at least to avoid possibly spillage) or am I getting mixed up here?

 

Thanks for any help

 

John

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[viz139]

Imposable to tell from your photo , the level is marked on the side of the reservoir.  If there is no leak in the system than it could be brake hoses bulging , it does happen suddenly . How old are the hoses? have somebody stand really hard on the brakes while you examine the hoses for a bulge . If one is gone replace the lot.

[john2502]

Yeah, sorry the photos are a tricky one, it's definitely below the line so needs a top up for sure. Good point about the hoses condition, I've never taken a look to be honest, I'd (probably wrongly) assumed that braided hoses were used as standard by 2000 but maybe not?

 

I also figure even if i top the level up now air may have gotten into the system due to the low level so may need a brake bleed anyway.

Edited by john2502, 27 June 2024 - 11:28 AM.

[slidehammer]

Check for leaks around the system, even if the master fluid level is a bit low it shouldn't lead to spongy peddle  It could be an issue with the master cylinder / servo. The good thing on the MPI the master cylinder is easy to get at a remove compared to the older type. Good luck finding the issue.

[bpirie1000]

My two bob is suspecting that one of the rearwheel cylinder seals has burst and you will have wet rear brake shoes.

Best get it checked though...

[john2502]

Cheers guys. Wish I'd read this earlier. Haha.

So topped the level up, bled the front brakes as this was what i suspected, (fluid did need renewing anyway to be honest)

Then went to check the rears and the passenger side brake shoe does look a bit wet on the passenger side so i think you might be right with wheel cylinder. Ran out of time and energy to jack up and check but reckon its most likely this.

Any tips for replacing? Haha

Also, while moving the car back and forth a bit to turn the wheels (to make it easier to get to the front bleed nipples) i ran over my ezibleed as forgot i left it by the rear wheel (dipstick!). Knew as soonnas i'd done it too! Eugh

[Quinlan minor]

Then went to check the rears and the passenger side brake shoe does look a bit wet on the passenger side so i think you might be right with wheel cylinder. Ran out of time and energy to jack up and check but reckon its most likely this.

Any tips for replacing? Haha
 

Replace both sides, slave cylinders and shoes, assuming drums are serviceable. Make sure to get the correct bore, 3/4". Smaller sizes will result in the car swapping ends in wet/damp conditions. DAHIKT.

Edited by Quinlan minor, 28 June 2024 - 10:10 AM.

[john2502]

Thanks, guessing you mean as replacing the cylinder means taking off the shoes anyway so might as well renew them?

 

What do people think of the tool for the circlip on the cylinder? worth using or just use circlip pliers?

[Quinlan minor]

Thanks, guessing you mean as replacing the cylinder means taking off the shoes anyway so might as well renew them?

 

If shoes have been soaked in brake fluid, they should be binned. It's always best to replace brake parts on both sides, at the same time.

[john2502]

Very good point! Have ordered both cylinders and a set of shoes.

 

Had 20mins on my lunch break so went out to check/confirm my suspicions. See pics, definitely seems to be the culprit the rear passenger side.

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[cal844]

Yup, burst wheel cylinder seal, quicker to renew the 2 cylinders and full set of brake shoes, ensure the handbrake mechanism is free and that you wind the handbrake adjusting nut (in cabin at handbrake lever) to the last thread before adjusting the brakes up

[mini-mad-mark]

Thanks, guessing you mean as replacing the cylinder means taking off the shoes anyway so might as well renew them?

 

What do people think of the tool for the circlip on the cylinder? worth using or just use circlip pliers?

 

No replace shoes as they will be contaminated with brake fluid not just because they're off

 

 

Circlip pliers are generally used for those circlips with the little holes in - the ones on the mini are not like that (I think they maybe called C or E clips more than circlips)

 

The special tool has received good reviews but I've never used one, usually manage with a (slightly blunt) screwdriver pretty easily but I've had plenty of practice 

[KTS]

 
What do people think of the tool for the circlip on the cylinder? worth using or just use circlip pliers?

I've found using the tool the easiest/fastest way of fitting the clips. Worth the money even if you only use it once imo

[bpirie1000]

https://www.theminif...the-shifty-way/

My tuppence was correct..

Try the above link and see if you can manage that. Sure you have vice grips somewhere in the garage...

Another for replacing shoes and cylinders together.. also remember and get some lubrication on the adjusters..

I would also suggest making sure the brake fluid has not wrecked the pain on the inner part of the wheel....

May not look damaged at the moment but brake fluid eats away.. clean it all up and you will be grand..

Well done for getting stuck in on a 20 minute break.. dedicated to the cause..

[john2502]

Thanks all, very much appreciated. Bpirie1000 you were right! must ask to borrow your crystal ball at some point, could definitely use next week's lottery numbers if that's ok?!

 

Thanks, I'm no expert mechanic but I can do some bits and give it a go, I must admit I considered taking it into a local garage as the mrs's modern car also needs me to fix it currently (Jeep Compass, I don't recommend them, horrible FIAT engine!), microwave and dishwasher stopped working this week too, plus we kinda need at least one working car as 3rd child on the way soon! haha. Always everything all at once. Plus I use the mini as a daily for work/school run etc so kinda need it back on the road asap ideally.

 

Aaaaaanyway, hopefully have 2 wheels cylinders and full set of shoes arriving soon, (love how some mini parts are so reasonable still). My plan is below:

 

1. Chock front wheels, loosen handbrake and slacken nut in cabin on handbrake

2. Jack up carb (rear), remove wheels, then drum, check it, and clean with brake cleaner

3. remove old shoes and cylinder, clean backplate, check shoe adjuster at top of backplate

4. Fit new cylinder with clip, fit new shoes and adjust, bleed brakes

5. repeat process for other side

6. Adjust handbrake

 

Notes: put anti-sieze on areas of backplate that need it, including adjuster

           make sure shoes are correct way round with leading edge

           make sure bottom spring middle part is facing down so not fouling on cylinder

           drum should spin by hand but with some reasonable resistance once new shoes fitted, one method is to tighten all the way then loosen 1/2 turn

 

 

Sorry, super long post but that's what i've noted so far.