Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Brakes - Thoughts?

Hi there,

Today I have taken the car out on a 150 mile run.

Last weekend I changed the brake master cylinder, bled the lines etc. (or so I believe). The peddle was firm after doing this.

After about the first 5 miles I noticed a smell and the car temperature rising a little (to between N and H). I pulled over could not see anything wrong and off I went again (car stopped OK).

After a while in forth gear the car had no "go" (as OK in others), I also noticed a slight pull to the kerb (right side).

Shortly afterwards this cleared only to reappear later. Close to arriving home it started again. After stops (engine off) the car was fine.

As soon as I got home I jacked up the car and cannot rotate the wheels with any moderate force. Nor can I roll the car backwards and forwards like I can normally.

I have just been back into the garage and can roll the car backwards and forwards OK now it has "cooled down/stood" for an hour or so. Still sounds like a little binding but not much.

Clearly the brakes are binding (when warm - or when pressure has built up?). Do they need adjusting (if so how) or is there air still in the system or.....

The peddle is VERY firm now (firmer than when I first fitted the cylinder and bled the brakes).

Any help, input, thoughts welcome as ever.

Thanks!

R.

Drum brakes binding a little?
They are adjustable...

Richard - is the new brake master cylinder coming off OK?
If that's what you've changed last, start there first. There's a valve somewhere in the system to allow the piston to return fully. You may need to search the internet for details.
Where there is a servo, there is usually an air filter (for the diaphragm) and if it gets clogged the brakes can stick on. So if you have a servo, check that.

Not sure but the front disk brakes are binding too......

Thanks.

Not sure what you mean coming off ok but the peddle is hard (almost solid) with little movement (when I got home at least).

I don't have a servo. It's a basic master cylinder.

On the end of the master cylinder (opposite to where it bolts to the bulkhead) there is what looks like an Allen bolt (recessed) could this be it?

It's like I could not push the pedal down fully, or move it from it's up position....

Richard, it sounds like the master cylinder is hokding sone residual pressure when everything is hot
This is because there is NOT enough freeplay in the system
You need to adjust the pushrod where it fits to the clevis
You should aim for around 1/2 free play at the pedal pad (where you press with your foot) when everything is hot

Regards
Simon
Mulberry Fabrications

Thank you Simon. This was a tight fit when I put it on. I think you may have cracked it (so to speak). Many thanks indeed.

Thank you SimonH and DaveW from all Morganeers in OZ. Most informative and I am sure our W.A. mate will have the "Black Beauty" back on the road very soon.

Richard,

I used a new push rod when I replaced my Master Cylinder, it came with it. Did you replace this as well?

Good photos of the run by the way.

My "old" push rod was not attached where as the new one is (via a ball joint) so I used the new one....