8 replies to this topic

[Ajay]

1993 open classic

I drove my mini for the first time today... for about 2 miles before the brakes were locked on. The front drivers side brakes decided to stick and not release propery.

I stopped and the pads were smoking. A mate came up and helped me release the brakes by unscrewing the bleed nipple, at which point the brakes released and the disk spun freely. I drove for a little while and the brakes seemed to be working normally, but then they started to drag again and were eventually fully locked once again.

I've replaced the pads and disks, given the calipers a good clean out and replaced the seals on 2 of the 4 pots. The pistons seemed to be relatively free to move when they were off the car. I cannot see any leaks and i'm 95% positive there is no air in the system.

Any suggestions?

also - where does the numberplate light ground? I think it's loose as the lights are intermittent <--- important as it failed mot on this lol

thanks in advance

[Ethel]

you could try pumping the caliper pistons in and out a few times.

It could be the hose has collapsed. If you can push one piston in easily - as long as it can push the other piston out, but forcing fluid back through the pipe (push one piston with the other chocked solid) is very hard then it's a fair bet.

Just follow the wire back from the boot lid too find the earth, I think it's by the bolt on the tank strap?

[Ajay]

could it be anything else? just covering all the bases as my mini is in the MOT shop at this very moment.

[Ethel]

Not really, if it's just one brake and defo hydraulic pressure related. A faulty servo might cause sticky brakes - but on all 4 corners. Suppose it could be you only noticed the front offside sticking.

[Ajay]

Thanks. I had a reconditioned servo from a member here who said it was off a working mini... 1994 if I remember correctly so I doubt it would have been that. I cannot get to the mini at the moment as like I said it's in the garage. Hopefully will find that earth too. I have a feeling now that you have mentioned the tank strap that i may not have put it on correctly so thanks for that.

I'll let you know how I do

[dklawson]

I wouldn't normally consider hose collapse on a car as "new" as a 1994. However, I agree with everyone above that your car's symptoms sure sound like the hose to that corner has collapsed.

Keep in mind that there are NO outwardly visible signs that a hose has collapsed. Diagnosis is by the method described by Ethel and by the fact that you were able to correct the problem by cracking the bleed nipple open. Repair is by replacement.

[Ajay]

Just a thought...

The brake pedal gets stiff and is impossible to press down when the brakes are locked on... but shouldn't it be loose, providing it's only the hose that has collapsed?

I mean, having one brake jammed on shouldn't affect the other 3 - i.e the brake pedal should still be operational... shouldn't it? or am I jibbering talkish again?

Al

[Ajay]

BUMP

[Ethel]

Yes you're right, the travel would be a bit less but still there. If you jack it up you may find the other brakes are sticking a bit too. You can then try disconnecting the servo hose to see if it makes a difference. There's a similar late servo sticky brake thread on the go, I believe.

Edited by Ethel, 18 August 2008 - 07:51 AM.