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Re: VERY firm and poor brakes
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2026 6:33 am
by Bill_qaz
Two tips, re- adjust rear brakes now centralised after applying, while making sure handbrake is fully off and cables are definitely slack. Turn adjuster until drum fully locked, then back one or two click until you can turn the drum by hand, a very slight rubbing is ok
If rear still need bleeding then jack rear axle up as high as you can, this gets it higher than master cylinder.
Sounds like you're making progress
Re: VERY firm and poor brakes
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2026 9:18 am
by jiminwatford
Thanks
Re: VERY firm and poor brakes
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2026 9:43 am
by simmitc
Excellent news, and thanks for the update; it's always good to hear the final solution.
To avoid cylinders seizing in future, the best solution is regular use. If you do need to park up for an extended period, then leave the handbrake OFF and secure the car by leaving in gear, chocking wheels etc. For really extended periods, raise the whole car on stands so that the tyres are off the ground.
Re: VERY firm and poor brakes
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2026 9:50 am
by jiminwatford
simmitc wrote: ↑Thu Jun 04, 2026 9:43 am
Excellent news, and thanks for the update; it's always good to hear the final solution.
To avoid cylinders seizing in future, the best solution is regular use. If you do need to park up for an extended period, then leave the handbrake OFF and secure the car by leaving in gear, chocking wheels etc. For really extended periods, raise the whole car on stands so that the tyres are off the ground.
Thanks!
Re: VERY firm and poor brakes
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2026 10:28 am
by ManyMinors
Although you've only had the car garaged for a year, who knows what condition the brakes were in prior to that. It hasn't been MOT'd for nearly 9 years, so quite likely has not been regularly maintained for some time? You've made a good start at the rear but have you checked all the front cylinders to make sure that all the pistons are freely moving? That would be my next move. Minor brakes get a poor reputation but poor braking is generally just a lack of servicing. I wouldn't even consider driving a recently acquired old car without an MOT until I'd given the brakes a thorough check through. As others have already said, brakes (and old cars in general) need regular use
Re: VERY firm and poor brakes
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2026 10:42 am
by jiminwatford
ManyMinors wrote: ↑Thu Jun 04, 2026 10:28 am
Although you've only had the car garaged for a year, who knows what condition the brakes were in prior to that. It hasn't been MOT'd for nearly 9 years, so quite likely has not been regularly maintained for some time? You've made a good start at the rear but have you checked all the front cylinders to make sure that all the pistons are freely moving? That would be my next move. Minor brakes get a poor reputation but poor braking is generally just a lack of servicing. I wouldn't even consider driving a recently acquired old car without an MOT until I'd given the brakes a thorough check through. As others have already said, brakes (and old cars in general) need regular use
I haven't checked the front brakes yet. The rear shoes are very worn, i couldn't get them to lock on the adjusters so i have ordered new shoes all round. Whe i fit them next week i will check the front cylinders