RE: SER1 'loss of pedal pressure'

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Will,
Not necessarily a leak in the sense of loosing fluid.  If the reservoir is
empty and air has entered the system, then look for a blown hose or leaky
wheel cylinder.  If the fluid in the reservoir has not gone down appreciably
then the master cylinder may be at fault, by passing fluid through a worn
seal from around the piston.  Sometimes this can be confirmed by noticing
that pressure applied gently to the pedal will result in the pedal sinking
to the floor, while jabbing the pedal smartly will set the worn seal, and
the pedal will hold or sink less quickly.  This is the usual mode of failure
for a CB or compression barrel master cylinder to fail.  It is most unusual
for a worn wheel cylinder to admit air and thus compromise the braking; they
will usually leak fluid out and drain the reservoir.

Randy

PS. CV, or center valve master cylinders, will usually fail by sucking air.
CB's are on Series I's, are iron, and have a large nut on the end. CV's are
on Series IIA clutch master cylinders and later brake masters, and are
usually made of aluminum.

-----Original Message-----
From: William Ross [mailto:will@xxxxxxx.xxx] 
Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 8:26 AM
To: series1@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
Subject: SER1 'loss of pedal pressure'

dear s1,

My 58 88 has just lost nearly all its braking, which gave me a rather 
exciting journey home using low ratio to get down our very steep hill 
and the handbrake to stop at the bottom :(

The pedal travels to the floor with almost no resistance: I assume I 
have a leak somewhere. I can't find it, so I think I'll take the 
opportunity to replace all the brake lines and hoses, then replace all 
the fluid. Checking the master cylinder is a bit beyond my competence, 
I fear, but I would like to trace the rest and reassure myself of its 
safety. The PO was good at this kind of thing but sometimes a bit 
cavalier...

Does this sound like a reasonable approach to you? or should I be 
assuming that the cylinder seals have gone and investigate that before 
i start ripping out pipes?

Any advice, cautionary tales or shouted admonitions would be very 
welcome: I'm new at this.

thanks

will


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