Less effective Braking & veering right

[hanvyj]

The car has started turning right when I brake at any reasonable rate. I've also found that they are not nearly so effective at stopping the car. When we got it the brakes were really bad, I replaced the shoes with mintex ones a few months ago (The ones that were in the car were brand new - I don't know why they were so awful at stopping it!) so it's not the shoes.

I'd guess it was the cylinders on the front left? I'm sure the pedal has been getting a bit lower but it might be just being paranoid. Would a faulty/leaking cylinder cause these problems? Will it be obvious when I take the front wheel off that there is something wrong with them, any way to check they are faulty?

Other question: Are 'Lucas' cylinders any better than patern ones?

Cheers

[hanvyj]

There are also the Borg & Beck ones, which seem a very reasonable price!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FRONT-WHEEL-C ... 5d3a6abfe5

[lambrettalad]

hi going right when braking is a sure sign your left brakes are not as good ,as most of a cars stopping power is at the front,it's a good bet thats where your problem lies ,

if your pedal is getting lower then you may have a leak ,do they get harder if you pump the pedal?

other wise if no leak I would suspect the master cylinder seals for starters .

could be seized slave cylinders at the wheel

take front left off and have a look

is the hand brake working on both sides ?

[bmcecosse]

As you say -the problem is in the left front - either seized or leaking cylinder(s) - and you say 'pedal going down' - which could indicate leaking......in which case the shoes will be ruined. Avoid 'pattern' fron cylinders which only have an O ring and don't seem to last too long, however pattern rears appear to be ok. And check the fluid level urgently!!

[hanvyj]

I'm not driving the car until I get it sorted for peace of mind, I've had a master cylinder fail before and It wasn't enjoyable.

Checking the fluid level is a good idea, didn't think of that. I'll have the wheel off and take a look for any leaks too tonight.

The handbrake "works" as in I can apply it and it will hold the car on a slight incline but I never changed the shoes so it really isn't very powerful (if that's the right word for brakes).

I'm not sure if pumping helped, but then I'm not 100% sure the pedal was going down it might just me thinking the worst. Hope it's not the master cylinder!

[bmcecosse]

Pulling to one side is definitely a wheel cylinder problem - not a master cylinder fault. The handbrake should be able to lock the rear wheels at 20 mph on a dry road. If not - find out why!

[hanvyj]

After a while sitting checked the master cylinder and it is empty! Left shoes covered in fluid. Changed the cylinders just need to replace fluid and bleed it now

[mike.perry]

You mean Lockheed brakes, not Lucas. Lucas make electrical equipment

[bmcecosse]

And fit new shoes presumably -oil covered shoes are scrap.......

[hanvyj]

Yes Lockheed not Lucas!

Yep, old shoes thrown away, I had to put some worn spares I had but they are good for a fair few miles yet while I order some more.

[bmcecosse]

If you fit them one on each side - the brake balance will at least be retained.

[MarkyB]

I've done that too, seems like a good plan.