Brit vs. American hydraulics

[Steve P.]

Yesterday, decided to take the '78 Midget out for a spin.
Found a puddle of brake fluid on the (new) carpets. darn.
Here we go again! Insert a few choice words...

This got me thinking about the cars I've owned over the
years (a LOT), and the realization that I've never had
to rebuilt the hydraulics on any American car I've owned,
but have had to do major work on every Brit car.
Why the huge difference??? Is it the quality (or lack thereof)
of materials, Castrol brake fluid absorbing more water,
material used in the seals?

People often criticize Britmobiles for their crummy
Lucas electrics, but for me, I've had far more problems
with the hydraulics!

 

[zimmy]

i have electric AND hydraulic problems!!!!
most the time anyway! .....zimmmy

 

[highhilleer]

Seems similar to me. I think it is mostly a materials problem. The elastomer parts just seem more sensitive to needing manintenance than comperable American components. It comes down to society expectations, Americans in general don't want cars that need much maintenance, while it appears Brits are more open to the idea of doing a lot of maintenance. How many American cars have (had) carburators where you need to top up the oil periodically?

 

[jlaird]

How many american cars have you had with 40 years under the belt.

 

[highhilleer]

How many american cars have you had with 40 years under the belt.

Good question. In my case 4.

 

[aeronca65t]

I replaced all the hard lines on my Dad's 36 year old Olds last year (since traded in......finally!).

Really, these systems aren't that much different from Brit to US (unless you go waaaay back to the early 50s).
But as Jack pointed out, our cars are *old*. That's becasue they're worth saving.

Most late 70s US cars have been crushed and sent to China to be made into lawn furniture. :laugh:

 

[Steve P.]

Currently;
64 Lincoln
72 & 73 Mercedes
78 Corvette
73 Datsun 240Z
many others from the 1960's in the past, since sold

All of the above (except the 240Z, new master seals) have completely original
hydraulics, and work fine. Yes, really.

For many years I had a '69 Dodge truck that was used as a farm
truck before I bought it. Never been in a garage, and was totally
beat up. Got the service records with the truck, and the
brake hydraulics had never been touched, which is amazing as this
thing lived out in the rain. Always had solid brakes.

Age is not the problem here. I've always suspected Castrol
brake fluid was absorbing more water than other brands, but
no proof of that.

 

[bugimike]

Having also had my share of problems with Brit hydraulics, and minimal problems with US systems, my thoughts are that the most common failures I have had have been with the rubber seals, cups, etc. Maybe it's the composition of the rubber!!!

 

[jlaird]

My last MC lasted almost 20 years when I sold the Bugeye and was still going strong. No telling what or why, that was a White Post rebuild.

 

[texas_bugeye]

I would be more courious as to the ratio of problems to the miles driven,
Seems to me that the cars with the most problems are garage queens and negleted ones under a tarp being used as the wifes potting bench.
I dont think they have a greater failure rate than any other cars.
They are are more prone to sitting around wating for a top dowm day just by there nature.

 

[texas_bugeye]

I would be more courious as to the ratio of problems to the miles driven,
Seems to me that the cars with the most problems are garage queens and negleted ones under a tarp being used as the wifes potting bench.
I dont think they have a greater failure rate than any other cars.
They are are more prone to sitting around wating for a top dowm day just by there nature.

Mine was rebulit about 6 years ago no leaks ever on brakes clutch or cooling. Engine? oh ya but its supose to.
11,000 miles.