Scot:
Did you change types of brake fluid before (or when) you did the booster?
That may explain the situation. If so, you may have to consider further
hydraulic system service.
I'm pretty sure from your description that is a simple master cyl. rebuild
that is required. I can't see how the booster repair would cause what you
are describing - you just got lucky enough to have one thing happen right
after the other got fixed. Makes a good argument for rebuilding the whole
braking system at one time, doesn't it!
You need to remove the master cyl. from the car and examine it (or have it
examined by a pro) in order to assess whether or not it is rebuildable - ie:
the condition of the bore - and even then they can be sleeved if that's the
way you want to go. If the car has been on the road recently, it might be
okay, and a seal kit is all that will be needed. Replacement cylinders are
readily available from all of the usual sources if needed. It's really a
fairly routine repair on a Healey. It might be worthwhile doing the clutch
master and slave at the same time if it's been awhile since they've been
rebuilt.
With that big a leak at the brake master cyl, it might be a good idea not to
drive the car until you get it fixed.
Earl Kagna
Victoria, B.C.
BT7 tri-carb
BJ8
----- Original Message -----
From: <scotyp@comcast.net>
To: "healey list" <healeys@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 1:54 PM
Subject: Brake Master Cylinder Leaking
Hi List,
My BJ8 seems to know instinctively when the driving season starts and it
doesn't want to go! :-)
Last year about this time my brake booster was eating brake fluid after a
fluid change. That problem was solved by the original booster being rebuilt.
That has been working fine as before with no leaks anywhere in the system.
Well ,a year later I'm getting brake fluid coming from the master
cylinder(hard to see other than on the floor because the leak is from inside
the pedal "box"). I can see fluid around the boot from inside the footwell
with a noticeable loss in the reservoir. When I press on the pedal and also
press the boot forward I get the brake fluid coming out.
I am assuming the fluid change a year ago ate quickly thru the gland seal in
the booster but took a while to affect the master cylinder seals.
Assuming I need a new master unit or rebuild the old one which one do you
recommend? Are they difficult to rebuild?
Only looks like 2 bolts and 2 brake lines to remove.
Thanks as always,
Scot
'66 BJ8
|