brakes

[terry atkins]

Help Please. My FC brakes, which are original, are giving me hell. They seem to stay on all the time. Have put a kit in the Master cyclinder. Have backed off the brakes. Have redone the wheel cyclinders and she still doesn't like me.
Could it be the return springs??
would really appreciate any new ideas
thanks
Terry

[RET]

I've heard of worn-out return springs causing this problem.

RET

[craiga]

Could be the return springs but if the car has sat for a while or hasn't had replacement brake fluid for longer than 6 months its more likely a wheel cylinder fault.

Did the kit include just new rubber components?

If so, the cylinder to piston gap could be too large (or the cylinder surface is pitted) causing the piston to become stuck as it travels under hydraulic pressure. If you want to fix it 100% and longer term its worth paying the cash and geting replacement master & wheel cylinders (expensive at about $90.00 a corner) or stainless inserts fitted (about $50 or $60.00 a corner). I have had success with lightly honing the surface of the cylinders VERY carefully and polishing up the pistons using brasso or similar (just to remove any deposits) but it really is only a temporary measure.

From memory there is also a relief port in the master cylinder so recheck your assembly using the original manual as a guide.

After all IMHO no brakes = no FC so good brakes are better than that new paint job or NOS accessory you've always wanted.....

Good Luck.

Craig

[coolaride]

hey there ,

have you thought of adding a VH 44 brake booster ?
i did this to my original brakes and they work even better . not cheap to re-build though. but , just a thought.

cheers .

coolaride

[ChrisB]

Hi Terry,
One of the main troubles for the brakes staying on is likely to be the flexible brake hoses on the car. Most people rebuild the brakes on an old girl but forget these vital parts. They swell inside with age. One of the most recent occurences I have seen of this was on the Roberston run, one of the Sydney guys had trouble with the front left brake staying.

Hope this helps

ChrisB  

[Michael]

Hi Terry My Fc did exactly what yours is doing and my flexible hoses were clogged with black rubbery crapp. I replaced the and the brakes were fine after that . Michael

[terry]

Thanks to all for your ideas and help. I am going to try the flexible hoses first and then the return springs.
The car has sat for a while but we have changed the brake fluid. I will get my beautiful old girl back on the road and will post what fixed her. Thanks again.
Terry