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Brake servo plumbing
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 5:57 pm
by pskipper
I've finally got hold of some marina disc brakes which are already converted for Moggy use for Rosie and purchased a brake servo and fitting kit. What is the best way to plumb the servo in? I'm guessing that you only servo assist the front brakes but would like this confirmed before I do anything.
Thanks
Philip
p.s. Rosies now got a new engine (948cc as it was given for free) and is smoke free again, I've just got to finish re-assembling her and put her in for her MOT
(Please note I am note impugning the morris minor brake system

, unfortunately in the area I live other drivers pull in front of you without giving adequate distance for drum brakes

)
plumbing
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:03 pm
by Willie
As ever there are different schools of thought re servo to all the brakes or
just the fronts. The theory behind only doing the fronts is that with the likely-
hood of a more sudden emergency stop the weight transfer will be greater
than normal so that the rear end will be lighter and therefore more likely to
lock the rear wheels. This is an undesirable condition which would result in
an unstable car( unless you were doing it deliberately). The choice is yours.
I have only servoed my front brakes and,of course, it makes it a much simpler plumbing job i.e. original feed from the master cylinder to the front
'brake switch union' goes instead in to the servo input. The servo output then
goes to the brake switch union....easy. I have mounted my servo on the floor of the engine compartment next to the starter motor but as far back
and to the left as it will go. This does not cause any problems with access
to the engine. I hope you have the remote brake fluid reservoir as it is very
desireable if you fit disc brakes due to more fluid displacement.
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:11 pm
by jonathon
We always servo both back and front brakes. That is front discs, rear drums. I'm not really a fan of servo'd front drums alone.

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:54 pm
by bmcecosse
Wee car like the Minor doesn't need a servo!! It doesn't make the brakes any better - just makes the pedal far too light for any 'feel'. Drum brakes can lock the wheels - that's all you need in traffic. Discs come into play when doing competition work - or much fast hill work ! No need for them on a normal sanely driven road Minor.
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 1:47 am
by bigginger
As you know. I for one beg to differ. If you want discs and a servo, fit discs and a servo.
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 8:48 am
by pskipper
unfortunately in the area I live other drivers pull in front of you without giving adequate distance for drum brakes
Discs come into play when doing competition work -
Having lived in Perth I do see where bmcescosse is coming from, people up there tend to drive in a much more road friendly way, unfortunately down here in wiltshire the majority drive like they are in some kind of rally! My drive into work is full of idiots slamming into my braking distance seconds before another car comes in the other direction! Last time I drove Rosie to work I had to slam the brakes on so hard I got brake fade because of an idiot like that and after frantic pumping of the brakes only just managed to avoid rear ending him.
I don't know how often bmcescosse comes down south to drive but there is a definite north south divide in driving style (present company excepted of course

) I think it might have something to do with the want it now attitude which is so strong down south where as up north things are just a bit more relaxed.
Philip
p.s. I feel a poll coming on to see whether we have a north south divide on disk brakes

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:48 am
by aupickup
i live down south, but i do work in the country, but even so we do have the idiots that just suddenly brake in front of you.
so yes it is discs for me
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 4:05 pm
by bigginger
I lived in Glasgow for a few years too. and yes, the driving style is VERY different in Scotland

Apart from anything else, there just aren't as many people/cars up there.

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 5:53 pm
by RogerRust
But that was in 1970 Andrew!
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 6:33 pm
by bigginger
Nah, it was around 2000 - still true though. As was creeping up to every set of lights in first gear for about 1 1/4 miles...
Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:44 am
by Kevin
still true though. As was creeping up to every set of lights in first gear for about 1 1/4 miles...
Good grief it must be full of Austin sevens than

Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 2:02 pm
by bigginger
Nah, just REALLY annoying, though slow, drivers...
Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:10 am
by badfelafel
In the morning traffic... in Glasgow "braking distance" means "cut in front space" to most people! Anyway... who needs to go to the gym when you've got a specially made leg exercise machine!