Morris Minor Owners Club

How do folks,

Whilst checking the brakes prior to the MOT the other day, I noticed one of the boots on the rear brakes has split.

Question is, how do replace it? The handbrake looks like it won't be a problem but how do you get it over the brake lines? Do I have to disconnect the lines?

Words of wisdom sought!

regards,
[dave]

Yep, it has to be fitted before connecting the pipe into the cylinder. I wouldn't worry too much about it for now, I can't imagine it'll worry the MOT inspector as it's just to keep dirt out and not really safety-critical.

I assumed they wouldn't be too bothered...but I am

I've read how the brake cylinder can corrode up if left unprotected so I'd like to replace it...I guess that'll mean bleeding the system...hmm, sounds like a lot of work.

how about cutting a slit in the boot and then cementing it up again after fitting over the brake line?

lazy or pragmatic...you decide ;-)

[dave]

on't split it just wait until you can do the job properly. the rear brake cylinder must be free to slide up and down in order to work properly which is why there is a rubber boot on it. As long as you can slide the
shoes up and down there is no problem. I doubt that a split boot will have any influence on whether the cylinder seizes up or not.

Okay, thanks for the advice. I'll save it & do the job properly later.

In the meantime, the moggy has failed the MOT!! Steering rack gaiter is split...better do that first!

cheers,
[dave]

I'd disagree regarding seized cylinders - the original boot kept most muck and water out of the cylinder. Apart from the boot, there is nothing to prevent road splash from getting directly into the cylinder/piston area where the handbrake lever enters (it's a fairly decent sized hole to allow movement of the handbrake lever)

The boots that are available now are pretty rubbish but are still better than having no boot at all.

yes i will agree about the modern rubber boots are crap
they are to hard, so its difficult to pull them on properly, also they hold the handbrake on, because they are to hard
i bought some, and in the end threw them away, and put back the original ones, even though they were split
i was lucky to find a few at the national though
also the ones they sell on ebay are the same crap, so dont bother buying them

sansom, two words: gaffer tape

wibble_puppy wrote:sansom, two words: gaffer tape

Now you're talking my language...

RAY is correct, ignore my advice and fit the boot as soon as you are able. water and road dirt will enter the rear drum. It is not a bad job to undo the rear brake pipe. If you have ever bought a new wheel cylinder it would have come with a small plastic plug in each union thread to keep dirt out. If you have saved these plugs you will find that they clip over the flared ends of brake pipes and prevent the escape of fluid.

also they hold the handbrake on, because they are to hard

yes - I found that on a few of them recently. Eventually they take a new shape and stop pushing on the handbrake lever, but if you were to do a long run whilst they are in their 'new' state you stand a chance of wrecking your brakes.
Basically the bad ones are made from completely the wrong material - if anyone knows where to buy good ones it would be worthwhile to share the info!

Her you go Ray
http://www.morrisminorpartsbath.co.uk/

Just fitted a pair from Andrew yesterday - stirling stuff - proper rubber fitted perfectly with a fantastic seal.

This guy is the bees knees for parts - helpful, cuts a good deal and doest stiff us poor peeps with extortionate offshore shipping rates.

Wouldn't normally recommend anyone so highly but the last order from him all the parts were fantastic quality.

thanks v much for that handy info, orkney