7 replies to this topic

[bjd8747]

Hi,
I had problems getting my '79 Clubman through its MOT because of excess brake pedal travel. I had the pads and master cylinder replaced and then the system bled by a professional. Now, after a couple of months I'm back to square one with a really soft brake pedal. Looking at the rubber flexible pipes between where the brake pipes exit the bulkhead and enter the drums, they appear to have lots of fine cracks in them as if they are perishing. My questions are this: Are these cracks likely to be the cause of air getting into the system? and, are they straight forward to replace?

Many thanks for ideas and suggestions!

[binge]

Sounds like a silly question. But have you had the drums off?
The rear cylinders are one of the main causes for a soggy brake pedal.

Other than that, it could well be leaky lines. But if you havnt already, i recomend checking the rear cylinders.

[bjd8747]

Hi,
Thanks for replying. Do you mean checking to see if anything is leaking? I haven't had the drums off since the guy at the garage put them back together again.

[koss]

I doubt the cracks would let air in as the fluid would leak first. Your flexi pipes should be replaced anyway if they are perished.
Maybe replace with some steel braided ones as an upgrade.
Is it drums all round? if so have tried adjusting them as they may have bedded in after being fitted.
Play on wheel bearings can also contribute to a poor pedal.

[Guess-Works.com]

If you're on drums you should be checking your brake adjustment at least every month anyway.

[bjd8747]

Thanks again for all the replies. To be honest, Audrey (I didn't pick the name!) hasn't been on the road for a while, mainly because I've been enjoying the warm weather and using my motorbike. I'm not sure that the drums would need adjusting that much, but I'll check tomorrow.
Is changing the brake lines a difficult job? I know that it has three spanners in the Haynes manual, but that seems to be quite variable!

Any tips and hints gratefully accepted.

[Big_Adam]

not just taking them off thats hard. It' s the not twisting the copper lines thats a pain in the arse.

[chrisg]

hey
one of the mini mags has a tech section on fitting new break lines this month might help you out