Morris Minor Owners Club

I've just passed my test today and took my morris out (minor 1000 1.1 1966) and i did'nt expect to much from the brakes but they are constantly spongy, witch I take it could be the master cylinder or a wheel cylinder leaking, and when taken above 40mph+ put the brakes on and the steering shudders, Wich is prolly tracking, but i just wanted to get some opinions on what these problems might also be just incase I might of missed something, the reasoen im concernd is that i just passed an obvousily still a tad nervous by myself so help aprecaited, thanks Danny

Well done on the Test! And welcome to the Forum.
So - when was the car last used ? The shuddering etc could well be oil on the linings - possibly indeed from leaking cylinders. The spongy pedal is simply down to poor adjustment and need to bleed the hydraulics. But I do suggest you have all the drums off - clean out any dust - check for leaking cylinders, and then refit and adjust and bleed each wheel system in turn. Minor brakes in good order have a rock solid pedal with very little travel - and should lock all the wheels at 20 mph. Don't hesitate to come back for any advice at all - there is almost always someone on duty!

Cheers fpr the reply
Yh the car has not been used for a good 4 months, so it could be that, Before i do any driving tomorrow I will do what you said, Take the wheels of an do a good check ( I have replaced the worn brake shoes but not given it a real good check including adjusters etc) If i come over anything else thats wrong Then I'll let somone on here now
Again cheers for reply, danny

Ahh - so shoes have already been replaced ? It takes a few applications to bed them in - and then they will need re-adjusting, But do the exam anyway - and then adjust and bleed.

A spongy pedal won't be anything to do with adjustment. Adjustment problems will give a long pedal but not a spongy one.
It will normally be air in the fluid, however as you have new shoes fitted, this is the other cause of spongy brakes. The entire shoe will flex under load until the lining has worn to fit the drum.
Until the shoes have worn to suit the drums, you need to leave a lot more braking space so you can brake more gently. You'll need to re-adjust when they have bedded in.

Some folks not 'used' to Minors - may describe 'spongy' pedal when they really mean 'long travel' - I covered both aspects just to be sure.

Hi Danny, you've had some good advice so far. Post back exactly what you find, we'll help you make sure you get your brakes good and solid. You can never be too sure when it comes to brakes.

And welcome to the forum.