Remote Brake Servo

[invjbo]

Hi,

after my first trip around the block the other day i lost all brake capability. When i looked all brake fluid was gone from the reservoir and i couldn´t see any apparent leaks.

So i thought maybe there could be some problem with the brake booster. It looks like it is a "remote brake booster" installed. If there would be any leaks internally in the brake booster the fluid could be sucked into the vacuum hose. So i had a look in the vacuum hose and couldnt see any traces of any fluid gone through.

Anyone with any expericence in these remote boosters. Looks like it is one of these http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/lockheed---delphi---powerstop-type-servo/

Best regards
John

[BDA]

This thread might be useful: http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=1368.msg12063#msg12063

Yours does appear to be a Lockheed. Rebuild kits can be had. I haven't been inside mine (yet) so I can't know for sure, but I don't think they should be that difficult to rebuild if that's needed and wanted. Some people do away with them.

[jbcollier]

If your brake fluid disappears then it is either leaking from the master cylinder or the servo.  First check the back of the brake master cylinder.  Dry?  Then it's the servo.  Judging by your photo, you have a single brake master cylinder system.  You can do one of the following:

- rebuild your existing servo (+ original / - possibility of internal corrosion)

- replace the servo -- original not available but similar units are (+ it works / - not original, some fettling to mount)

- remove and run without servo (+ still original, less to go wrong, simple to do, it works / - may have to reduce master cylinder size [0.070 recommended])

After many years of brake hydraulic work, I do not rebuild hydraulic cylinders except for disc brake calipers.  Too many issues with hard to decipher, internal wear and/or corrosion.  If your car was in regular use and you were just trying to eek out another 10 or so thousand miles before trading it in on the one of the new Edsels, then, sure, patch away you cheap bastard ;-)  Otherwise, just fix it properly.

[EuropaTC]

Hi John,

Yep, I had one of those as well.  Sadly, brake fluid disappearing down the servo seems to be a common problem with older installations and it comes up with alarming regularity every year or so on the Elan forum as they use a similar system.  With no low level fluid warning light and a very gradual loss in fluid which most folks don't realise when braking, it comes as a shock to everyone.

I'm with JB on this one as far as rebuilds go, for sure you can buy the kits but success rates seem varied and not the 100% you'd expect.  I also wouldn't bother rebuilding, in fact I don't even bother rebuilding master cylinders these days with the suspect quality and source of some rubber parts we're seeing in the UK.

If you want to keep the servo then you can buy them cheaper than the link you had, I've seen them on MGBs for example. They might not be the same ratio so your braking might seem even lighter, but they will work. Random example, other sellers available, no personal connection, etc, etc........

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-NEW-LOCKHEED-TYPE-REMOTE-BRAKE-SERVO-MGB-1-65-/400861273110?hash=item5d55319c16:m:mNcssXBluq6t48HzBBcRP8Q

The alternative is to do away with it. The Triumph spitfire had similar brakes on a heavier car and managed without a servo.  Change the front pad material for something with more bite, EBC greenstuff seems to be one of the recommendations although I've been more impressed with Mintex 1144 material - yep, I ditched my servo a while back.

Brian

[invjbo]

Many thanks for all your shared experience. I will dig into this issue and try and get everything sorted. I agree, no idea trying to fix the old one, better to opt for a new unit if thats the case.

Best regards
John