In a message dated 3/22/00 8:46:44 AM Eastern Standard Time,
hurd@boernenet.com writes:
<< I am in the process of rebuilding the brakes on my '75 Midget 1500. The
brake line junction just forward of the master cylinder ("pressure
warning assembly" in parts catalog) was removed and I would like to know
what to look for in there. A piston of some sort is frozen in place. I
can't find any schematics and would like to know if this rather pricy
part can be rebuilt. Any help y'all can offer will be appreciated. >>
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You should be able to rebuild it with a repair kit that is available. It is
a sort of expensive piece to buy new, so try a rebuild first. The rebuild
kit is $5.65 and the entire brass assembly is $399.00 in the Moss catalog.
(That is for the brass switch used thru 1975. The later cast switch is
"only" $145.00 and I don't think there would be any problem changing to that
one, except it won't be "correct" for your car.)
The switch contains a shuttle that will move if it encounters uneven pressure
caused by one side of the dual hydraulic system leaking. It is a fairly
simple mechanism. It seals the leaking side and lights the brake warning
light.
Soak the whole thing for a week in paint thinner or some kind of solvent.
Then try to remove the shuttle. The rebuild kit has new o-ring seals. Make
sure you inspect the housing before you reassemble it for any major scoring
that could cause it to leak.
Warning: Do not be tempted to buy just any O-rings from a plumbing supply
house to rebuild the switch. The O-rings have to be nitrile or brake fluid
will eat them. (Auto stores may carry the correct O-rings if $5.65 is too
much!)
Get a Moss catalog if you don't have one. Download it from
www.mossmotors.com and order from Ed Kaler (justbrits@aol.com) so he can
continue to pay his AOL bill and stay on-line. He may even give you a
discount!
Good luck, and let us know how you do with it.
Allen Hefner
SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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