Myrtle is leaking something!

[xlollx]

I noticed when parking up my other car in front of Myrtle that she is leaking. I haven't investigated in detail yet but the leak is directly underneath the drivers side front wheel. I had a quick peep underneath and it looks like there is some of the liquid dripping down the tyre. It is only on the front drivers side tyre. I'm not sure what the liquid is, I don't think it's oil from the smell. Would it be brake fluid and does it being near the front wheel give any clues as to the problem? Only had Myrtle for a week.

[Alex'n'Ane]

Yes, dont drive the car at all with a leaking brake cylinder! Its moments away from a full on failure possibly! Whip the wheel and drum off, and see if there is fluid everywhere. Also wherever the fluid has already got, the paint will strip off..

[bmcecosse]

As above - danger danger! If you catch it in time (ie without moving the car) the shoes may be ok - if you move it, the oil will spread all over the shoes - so then you need a new seal for the leaking cylinder AND a new set of shoes........

[xlollx]

okay...

Help!

I know nothing of cars, let alone Morris Minors! I don't even know how to take a wheel off!

[bmcecosse]

Oh dear - this is not for you then......you need help! Post up your location - perhaps someone nearby will offer to have a look at it for you. It's a very easy/inexpensive fix - IF you catch it before the oil gets all over the shoes.

[xlollx]

I do indeed. I told my boyfriend who looked at me with a blank face. I have a garage about 1/2 mile away. Would I be okay driving her to there? If not, anyone near stamford?

Oh dear! Only had her for a week tomorrow. Could this be the reason why the brakes haven't been very effective (she only had an MOT in july!)

[bmcecosse]

To drive it is almost certainly going to put the oil on the shoes - but of course -it may be there already. And driving with known faulty brakes is not a great idea..... Minor motoring quickly becomes expensive if you don't DIY the maintenance and repairs. All you need to do at this stage is jack it up and remove the wheel - then remove the brake drum and see what lies within. I'm sure b'friend can manage that......or will know a lad who can.......

[xlollx]

Yeah, he can jack up and take tyre off. Thing is, we're not quite sure what we are looking for once the tyre is jacked up and brake drum is removed. Or how to fix it.

It is my intention on learning the basics in maintenance so I can DIY. Didn't think I would be learning 6 days in...

I've put down some cardboard to see how much is leaking. I noticed another leak under the car too (this time oil).[frame][/frame]

[xlollx]

[frame][/frame]

[beero]

If my Morris didn't leak oil I would think the sump, back axle and gearbox were dry and needed topping up!!

[bmcecosse]

Sump etc will always leak to a degree - but brakes MUST NOT leak. Get the wheel and drum off and show us a pic.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

It is possible to get a leak-free sump. They never left the factory dropping oil. Plus I'm in trouble for the massive slick on the drive, so it's kinda neccessary for me now.

[xlollx]

So, a mechanic friend came around and took the wheel and hub off (I forgot to take photos). But as suspected, it was full of brake fluid. We have ordered a new front brake cylinder. I think the problem is that the old one isn't quite aligned properly and thus has enough of a space for fluid to come out. Luckily, the brake shoes didn't appear to have much fluid on so I think they may have been saved.

Ordered the parts of ESM morris minors so will have to wait now for them to be delivered.

My friend took the other tyres/hubs off. Couldn't even get the rear RH drum brake off, it literally looks like people have been hacking at it to get it off. Might need to get a new one at some point. What my friend did notice is he thinks the front has 8" brakes and the back has 7". Could this be possible. If I had disc brakes put onto the front only, could I take off the 8" brakes from front to put them onto the back (is that possible?).

[lambrettalad]

fitting discs needs a lot of detailed and expensive work.the eight inch at the front should be, went set up correctly , be more than enough for a well driven moggie

the rear hubs will need to come of even if its just a safety check

good luck

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Just remembered your introductory post about the brakes feeling quite bad - this would be why! Hopefully all will be OK and good brakes return once the work is done.

[DaisyMayFozz]

it will need a new set of front brake pads /shoes if the fluid has got on them-they will be contaminated.

[bmcecosse]

Have to wonder how it managed to get an MOT in this state. Discs etc will cost you ~£1000 and really are not necessary for a standard car. The 8" front brakes cannot be used at the rear.....at least - the 8" front drums CAN be used -with 8" Wolseley rear backplates - if you can find a set. Parts like brake cylinders are often available off the shelf at local Auto Parts place - saves the wait and the postage costs. Always worth asking.......

[xlollx]

She had her MOT done at a very reputable classic car garage in Northamptonshire! Passed with no advisories.

[bmcecosse]

Obviously anything BUT 'reputable' - hate to think what other problems have been ignored if they could pass a car with faulty brakes....

[lambrettalad]

Did the pedal feel ok as you drove from the MOT? if not go back,if they are as you say reputable they should listened
sympathetically