Morris Minor Owners Club

What are the differences between Wolseley 1500 and Riley 1.5 front brakes? Are they the same? What has to be done to fit these brakes to a Minor 1000? Are new 9 inch brake shoes readily available? Any other info would be welcome.
Thanks,
Mike

There is plenty on this subject if you search - but basically - the W brakes are narrower, and more suitable for the Minor. The R brakes can be used - but are an 'overkill' and some report a heavy pedal with them. Replacement R cylinders are v expensive, W cylinders aren't exactly cheap either - BUT - with a small modification to the backplate - Minor cylinders (v inexpensive) are easily fitted. The brakes are a direct bolt-on replacement for the Minor brakes - 4 bolts and the hydraulic pipe - that's all! Biggest problem is finding a set.......

Thank you for the information. I am acquiring a set of Wolseley 1500 front brakes. What please are the modifications necessary to fit Minor cylinders to the Wolseley back plates? Where can I get suitable 9 inch brake shoes?
Many thanks,
Mike

Use the W cylinders if you can - new seals are readily available for them. If they are completely bushed - then just trial fit a Minor cylinder in the backplate and you will see you need to modify the mounting hole slightly - and to drill one new hole - the other one is used as is. If possible - use the original shoes - I found 'new' ones to be far too sensitive - causing brake locking at v low pedal pressure. Maybe they just needed bedding in - I didn't persevere - the old shoes work well. I also have realised that the brake shoes sold for the REAR of the later TR7 models are very very similar. (I have these for my TR7 - they are often very cheap on ebay). They can probably be modified easily for use on the front W brakes.

Thank you bmcecosse for your information. Most useful.
Mike

Do you have a set of these brakes - or are you just starting the search.....?

Picking up a front brake set tomorrow which I hope will be in good condition.
Mike

Well done - W or R ?

Hi bmcecosse,
Collected brakes. I think they are Wolseley but I am not sure. What are the width differences or are there other ways to tell which they are. They need refurbishment but look in reasonable condition. Not had a chance to dismantle them yet to see what shoes and cylinders are like. Many thanks for your help.
Mike

If there are adjusters on the backplate = they are the R brakes.

Hi bmcecosse,
Thanks for that. Must be W as adjuster reached through hole in brake drum. Looks as if I may have to fit new cylinders and shoes but haven't yet dismantled the assemblies as not at home.
Cheers,
Mike

Well done - they are the more suitable W brakes ! As I detailed before - seals are readily available for the cylinders - so try to save them, and if the shoes are not badly worn - just use them. Old shoes (very possibly with asbestos) are FAR better than modern shoes. And I can assure you that the wear in use on a Minor is very very little.

As I needed new cylinders in my W brakes I fitted the Minor cylinders from the fronts that I was replacing. I should think that in future Minor cylinder replacements will be easier to find. I would also suggest keeping old brake shoes as it will be easier to get them relined than finding new shoes.

Happily the cylinders and brake shoes are in good condition. Must have been replaced not long before the Wolseley went for scrap. My big problem is unbolting the back plates from the hubs and suspension as the exterior nuts are well rusted solid. Any ideas on how to do this, please?
Mike

Unusual! They are usually covered in oil/grease. Spray with release oil - leave 24 hrs - 1/2" AF sockets and a decent breaker bar..........

bmcecosse wrote:Unusual! They are usually covered in oil/grease. Spray with release oil - leave 24 hrs - 1/2" AF sockets and a decent breaker bar..........

Or failing that...
http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalo ... CFsQ8gIwAA

They WILL come off - easily..........

Thanks for advice. I have now managed to completely dismantle one of the brakes. It wasn't easy getting the nuts started but WD40 and perseverance eventually worked. The cylinders are not seized to my surprise so it is just a matter of fitting the new seals I have bought although the old ones look ok. I will complete the refurbishment of this brake before starting on the other one so as not to get bits mixed up. Before removing shoes, cylinders and return springs I took close up photos so I can make sure I put everything back together properly. Do the Morris Minor flexible brake hoses fit the Wolseley brakes or are they different?
Mike

Yes they do fit