front driver side brake not working

[glynny]

hi new to classic car ownership the front driver side brake has been dragging i have taken the wheel and brake hub off to find both cylinder pistons dont move when brake pedal is pushed anyone any ideas before i look further into this blocked pipe ? seized cylinders all other brakes are functioning any help greatly appreciated

[bmcecosse]

Seized cylinders -and be sure to get the 'genuine' ones - not the hopeless cheaper ones. Probably need new shoes if they have been dragging. Are they 7" or 8" brakes? Same cylinders in both - but if 7" worth looking out for a set of 8" .

[glynny]

yes sorry its a series 2 1953 looks like the 7 inch will check though . the cylinders look like the old type is it worth stripping them and replacing seal if cheap enough nothing to lose if not working anyway as cant seem to find new ones of that type

[bmcecosse]

Indeed not (although may be worth trying Club Spares) - but you can change to the later 7" backplate with 'modern' cylinders very easily.

[glynny]

have removed front brake and its 8 inch with aluminium cylinders both are seized is it possible to free them up or not also if not what are my options bearing in mind i have a ltd budget cheers

[glynny]

[frame][/frame]
my car is 1953 series ii hope pics help is the diameter 7 0r 8[frame][/frame]

[BLOWNMM]

Hi Glynny
My Nuffield Series MM and Series 11 workshop manual treats the brakes on both as the same being 7 inch. It is not possible to use later 7 inch or 8 inch backing plates from a Minor 1000 because they will not bolt up to MM swivel pins. There are places here in oz that bore and fit stainless steel liners to unservicable cylinders which would probably be cheaper than replacement MM
cylinders if obtainable and would last a lifetime. Worthwile checking up on this but make sure you do both.
Cheers Bob

[bmcecosse]

That's 7" - NOT 8". Yes - you can try to free them off and then fit new seals. But new 'genuine' cylinders will be a much better job.

[BLOWNMM]

Hi all
Glynny - check out two posts in the Series MM Register - one 're worked wheel cylinders' and the other 'Front brake Cylinders for MM'.
Cheers Bob

[bmcecosse]

But you can just fit the later 7" backplate complete with easily obtained cylinders - and no-one will be any the wiser. Although I suggest you should do that to both sides if making any changes.

[BLOWNMM]

G'day all
Glynny -as stated in my previous post of Sat.April 30 the backing plates from a later 7 or 8 inch brake will not bolt up to early Series 11 (1953) swivel pins. The backing plates shown are for early Series 11 up to car #228266 and are Moss part no. 68637 and 68638. Different bolt pattern to later 7 or 8 inch brakes. New MM/early Series 11 cylinders are no longer available. My advice would be to have your cylinders stainless steel sleeved which will last forever. It would be advisable to do both sides the same.
Cheers Bob

[glynny]

im looking into getting my originals sleeved if i cant get originals

[bmcecosse]

I'm sure the bolt hole pattern can easily be overcome ! Can't be far away - surely. Anyone got pictures of the two backplates for comparison ?

[BLOWNMM]

G'day all
Even though I have been told of the bolt pattern being different and also having read about it being different on various forums it would be good to match up a Minor 1000 backing plate to an early MM swivel pin Moss no. 181989 and 181990 just to positively find out one way or another. It would probably still be cheaper for Glynny to have stainless sleeves installed in his early MM cylinders.
Cheers Bob

[bmcecosse]

Well -depends on the cost/availabilty of doing that. But 7" backplates are very common - indeed I'm afraid I binned a box of them recently.

[glynny]

looks like the flexible hose had broken down so no fluid was reaching the cylinders .Have managed to free cylinders by using the bleed nipple off the hose machining off the top drilling tapping and fitting a grease nipple which i screwed into the cylinder then attatched a grease gun and hey presto out they came both have no pitting and have polished up nicely so have ordered new seal kit and pipes fingers crossed job done cheers for everyones input

[bmcecosse]

My grease gun has a tube that is 3/8" UNF and therefor fits many cylinders and disc calipers straight off (maybe not Minor though which may be 3/8"UNC?) I did make up a short length of bundy with a female UNF at one end to suit the Wanner - and a 3/8UNC male at the other to suit the cylinders where they are UNC. And yes - never been beaten yet. As long as the bores and pistons are good - it will be fine. Obviously need to remove every trace of the grease before assembly - but I advise a good blob of red rubber grease (ebay) as you re-assemble them .