Air in brakes / brake pedal

[Jclake]

Hello All,

If I haven't driven my Morris1000 for a few days I have to really pump the brake to get any kind of purchase. Once I've driven for a while the brakes feel like they return to normal. If I don't drive again for a few days the same problem happens and is obviously quite dangerous. My mechanic suspects air is getting in somewhere but he's loathed to investigate at random. Has anyone else had this problem and is there a general area where air might get in and he might start investigating? Any help gratefully received. Thank you

[Pikey]

If your saying the pedal pumps up and goes hard and stays hard? Id suggest first start off by checking the adjustment of all the brake shoes (6 in total for the whole car). Remember to completely undo or remove the brass nuts on the handbrake cables inside the car first before even attempting any adjustment on the rear adjusters.

[kennatt]

find an other mechanic air will not cause the symptoms you describe it will be the shoes gradually being pulled away from the drums by the return springs with lack of use,the system in the minor is that there is positive pressure in the system to hold the shoes close to the drums ,its common to find that after a longish stand the pedal needs a couple of pumps to restore the pressure and location of the shoes,but badly adjusted shoes will exacerbate the problem so yes get them adjusted. Air in the system,is apparent when the pedal is soft and spongy ,if the pedal pumps up and is firm then it is 99% adjustment.

[ManyMinors]

find an other mechanic

I rather agree. A mechanic who is "loath to investigate" a problem with your car would seem somewhat pointless?
The braking system on a Morris Minor is pretty straightforward and at least he'll have the car there to investigate which will give him an advantage over any of us who do not

[mowogg]

I had similar symptoms for many years although they still works fine. Finally solved mine when I released some air trapped under the brake light switch. I could not believe this little dead end could have such an impact.

It's worth trying. The switch was quite tight. I have to jam a wedge next to the union to stop it moving before i could applt enough preaaure to move it

[Jclake]

This is really helpful. Thank you all very much for your help!