Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi folks!

Rear offside brake isn't working and it failed the mot, 'no resistance'. So taking the thing apart and it seems fluid is getting to the cylinder but not doing anything...

So followed the workshop manual and took it apart. My question is should it have been very difficult to get the inner piston out or not? The manual doesn't really suggest so, 'remove inner cylinder' The other thing is, I was expecting to see a spring in there, no spring? See pics! It was so hard to get out that i suspect this is the reason that the fluid wasnt pushing the shoes out? So what's going on? TIA

Pics....sorry for them being side on....

Don't mess about with it - just fit a new cylinder - in fact, fit TWO , one on each side and then you know it's all sorted for a while. Be sure to slacken off the handbrake cables - fit the new cylinders, bleed and adjust up the brakes until just rubbing, and only then re-attach the handbrake cables and pull up the adjustment to put the handle where you like it.

Cheers bmc! The thing is the cylinder is very new, I replaced both about two years ago. (3k miles).

I will go and order up a set, but what do you think to the no spring inside and the fact that it was very difficult to remove the centre?

It was obviously seized - and it is usually possible to free them off, but with high probability of leakage shortly after. Perhaps what you have there is a 'pattern' cylinder? Try your local auto parts place for cylinders - rather than 'ordering up' . I like to leave the rear brakes slightly slack (and likewise the handbrake adjustment) so the pistons get some worthwhile movement each time the brakes are used. And of course - don't leave the handbrake on when parked up for long periods.....

The one with the spring is only fitted to very early cars, it has a slightly bigger size of cylinder originally. I would expect the piston to be hard to remove, Ive used a grease gun before to push the piston out before cleaning and replacing the seals. About once a year I take the top piston out that works the hand brake and put a little red brake grease around it, this helps to stop the thing from sticking.

Good idea - because with best will in the world, water can get in through the handbrake lever access.

As it appears to be new and not a pattern part, I'd complain to the supplier and ask for a replacement.
Is there anything you can see that explains it being seized?

MarkyB wrote: I'd complain to the supplier and ask for a replacement.

As it's 2 years old and has been taken apart I doubt a supplier would provide a replacement now.

So it was working for the last MOT?

Im going to order a new cylinder from Bull motif, there are two to choose from, the lockheed and the non branded. Huge difference in price!! Is the lockheed one worth the extra?

It looks like i may have had a lockheed one before.....link for the lockheed from bull motif below the pic



http://www.bullmotif.com/maintenance/pr ... RBK106.jpg

Get TWO new cylinders - then you are sure they are both same diameter - and try your local autoparts place - they can probably get it same day, so no waiting and no postage to pay...... Many parts are readily available - you don't always need to go specialist suppliers..... Just avoid Hellfrauds.......who have no idea what a Morris is..........

My problem is I'm so far out of Aberdeen that a 'local' motorfactor ain't that local, so it is actually easier and cheaper to get them off the Internet. But I do know where you are coming from and the 'normal' suppliers shouldn't always be the default