After all the previous performance, I found out why my PI's brakes were so
poor.
The new master cylinder I bought was a 'new, old stock' item. It arrived in
a brown and black Unipart box and was wrapped in waxed paper. The cylinder
was encrusted with this wax and took a lot of cleaning. When fitted, it just
drank brake fluid.
When I unbolted it from the servo, I found that it was actually dripping
fluid; the original master was only weeping. So, I put new seals in the
original master. To be on the safe side, I kept everything surgically clean
and fitted new rear wheel cylinders. Now it works. The pedal feels firm, the
fluid level stays put and the brakes stop the car. Great.
If you buy new, old stock gear, it's obvious that the innards can
deteriorate ,so beware.
I won't say where I got the replacement cylinder because they have been very
helpful about giving me a full refund and I even got an apology.
Cautionary tale by David Hill
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