6 replies to this topic

[sparkymae]

Hi guys. Replacing the master cylinder on my 1990 998cc Mini with a servo. The brake pipe union nuts are really on there and don't want to mess the lines up. Any hints on breaking them loose without destroying everything like I usually do these days. Any suggestions would be a great help.  Thanks

[nicklouse]

Soak with a good release agent. Then expect to replace the pipes anyway.

[bpirie1000]

Wire brush then lube, then wiggle back n forth, making sure that the correct size of spanner is being used at all times.......

[mab01uk]

Or fit a pair of these from Minispares....

 

MASTER CYLINDER PAIR OF BRAIDED BRAKE LATE SERVO HOSES

SEN45

"From 1989 minis which have the brake servo built into the master cylinder and it is very difficult to work in the engine bay, especialy clutch changes because of the extra room taken up by this dual cylinder. By replacing the 2 metal brake pipes from the servo and fitting these 2 strong flexible braided hoses it means you can unbolt the servo and move it around the engine bay without having to dismantle the pipes ever again which in turn meant having to bleed the brakes every time."

https://www.minispar...ate-servo-hoses

 

Or the Vintage black version of SEN45:-

https://www.minispar...ate-servo-hoses

Edited by mab01uk, 08 February 2026 - 09:30 AM.

[sonscar]

This sounds like an answer to a non existent problem,do people change the clutch weekly,yearly ever in their ownership?Change brake fluid is probably more than clutch changes possibly.Steve..

[Spider]

Sometimes to crack them, you are better off using a pair of vice grips than a spanner, just don't tighten them to the point of deforming the tube nut.

[sparkymae]

Thank you all, got them loose. Soaked them. Wrench back and forth. Day or so they broke loose. No damage.  :)