Foot brake travel on S type

[abbirkin]

For 25 years my brakes on my 1965 S type have been perfect, engaging first time near the top of travel.
Overnight, the pedal is now engaging lower down, although improves with pumping. There is no loss of fluid from the reservoir.
I have changed the fluid, which was dirty and contained little bits (parts of seals?) but no improvement.
Before I change master cylinder/servo/individual seals, has anyone come across this problem please.
Barrie

[piman]

Hello Barrie,

although it is unlikely to be the cause, have you looked at all the flexible pipes, if they have not been replaced it is worth doing so now. Otherwise I think you are right in suspecting the master cylinder?

Alec

[oldtimer]

Hi Barrie,
If the hydraulic brake system has remained untouched for twenty five years, now might be a good time to overhaul the complete system.

Oldtimer

[abbirkin]

Thank you both for your comments. I did overhaul the front brakes some time ago, but my MOT tester is of the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it brigade' and maybe this shouldn't apply to brakes. There's only one way forward......

[peterdpps]

I think the rubber pipes can collapse with age so not allowing the correct volume of fluid to the disc calipers.

[abbirkin]

Thank you for your suggestions. As there were no apparent leaks, the servo was removed and found to contain the missing fluid.
Am now awaiting it to be reconditioned and hopefully solve the problem.
Barrie

[peterdpps]

Glad you found the cause. Funnily enough I had a similar problem with my 240 some years ago and had to have the servo replaced. I didn't think to mention the servo as in my case the fault was accompanied by white smoke from the exhaust which I believe is usual.

[silverfox]

I had something similar last year , and found that my rear flexi was de-laminating , has anyone explored the braided stainless steel flexi's option used on motorbikes ? . Russ

[piman]

Hello Russ,

although not that far on my Mk2 rebuild, I use the braided stainless steel hoses on my other cars, I would recommend them. You can actually buy the hose and fittings and make your own to whatever length you like, if they are not readily available. I think I got mine from Demon Tweeks but any motor sport shop should be able to supply them.

Alec

[Martec]

Yes I fitted a set of stainless braided hoses 13 years ago and still going strong, I think they were a 'Goodrich' set.

Incidentally I put the rebuilt car back(8 years) on the road 13 years ago with rebuilt callipers (Girling) and rebuilt servo, although the hoses are fine the servo has been professionally recon-ed and I replaced the pistons in the callipers last year!

Brian