Servo unit

[ronnie]

Hi I've seen conflicting views on the forum about servo units , good and bad ,how can it be pointless if your trying to upgrade your braking system ?? Wouldnt mind some views before I part with hard earned cash

[bmcecosse]

It can reduce leg effort - that's all - doesn't make the brakes any better. And well maintained Minor brakes don't make for a 'heavy' pedal. But it's your car - do as you wish......

[ronnie]

Do the brakes not get better at all ? I thought the servo would have given you more braking power so I suppose it would be pointless if the brakes were not more powerful

[beero]

It won't stop any quicker, it just means you can lock the wheels with less effort.
Took a servo off my MGB and I prefer it, you get more feel or feedback, if you know what I mean.

[bmcecosse]

There is an easy way to get better brakes........

[ronnie]

So it's a guessing game Bmc , don't keep me in suspense what is it ????

[bmcecosse]

All the rest of the Forum knows already.......... a set of lovely 9" Wolseley 1500 drum brakes bolts straight on......less than an hour each side. The snag is - they are not easy to find these days.......

[Alex'n'Ane]

As above a servo wont actually improve your brakes, just make it easier to push the pedal. If you actually want improved braking, going for a disc brake conversion kit is the obvious way forward.

[bmcecosse]

But unfortunately a very expensive conversion - and it WILL need a servo!! Just a point - if your car has the early 7" front drum brakes, then the later 8" brakes are a very worthwhile upgrade for little money. And if you have the 8" brakes, and the pedal is heavy - then they need a good overhauling........

[ronnie]

so does anyone out there have a set of wolseley drums for sale ?? i do have the 8" front drums fitted and the brakes do work adequately but just looking for a bit better

[Alex'n'Ane]

Not true about it always needing a servo! Lots of people run happily, myself included, without a servo.
But agreed, unless you can pick up a second hand kit, its not cheap.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Don't need a servo for discs... my Allegro never had one (think it was an optional extra).

[ampwhu]

i run my car with discs and without a servo. no problems at all.

[bmcecosse]

Well done all - I agree - a servo should not be necessary on a small car like the Minor, but many insist it is necessary when fitting discs..........

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

The reason for discs coming with servos (most of the time) is that disc brakes require more pedal pressure than drums, which equals pressing harder on the pedal.

[les]

I'm pretty sure early mini coopers were not fitted with servos despite having discs as standard.

[bmcecosse]

But - they did however have a completely useless 'brake intensifier'........... and the pathetic 7" Cooper discs were worse than useless anyway. Later Minis with 8.4" discs also had no servo (initially) and they were fine !