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New owner, breifly no brakes, help

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Bridgetthemidget

Freshman Member
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Hello All,
I have just brought a 79 Midget 1500 in good condition.
My partner drove the car yesterday for about 8 miles and we stopped (engine still running) so I could drive back. As I turned the car around at rolling speed the brake pedal hit the floor the first time I had to brake.
I could see no evidence of leaks and fluid level was good.
When I switched off the engine I got pressure back in the pedal by pumping it and the pressure stayed with my foot firmly on the pedal and I started the engine and the pedal stayed rock hard.
Driving the car back home the brakes were as normal.
I’m fairly confused as to what’s gone on here, but being the brakes I'd like to get it checked out.
Does anyone have any ideas as to what could be wrong and could anyone recommend a good mechanic in Brighton.
Cheers.
Ian.
 
Wow, sounds like something that happened to me a couple of years back. I'd been out on the race track and the brakes were fine. Came into the pit lane and brakes went to the floor while turning into the paddock.

Seems I'd failed to change the brake fluid allowing moisture to accumulate in the fluid then heat soaked a caliper causing the moisture in the fluid near or at the caliper to vaporize. (Brake fluid attracts moisture and the older it is, the more moisture in it. Lowers the "wet boiling point" of the fluid.)

After a very short cool down period, the brakes were back to "normal." As you said, no leaks and good fluid level.

Needless to say, I replaced the brake fluid and did a good job of bleeding the system before going back out on track again!

How long since the brake fluid was replaced? Was your friend doing some "spirited" driving?

Recommend replacing the fluid and bleeding the system as a first step. Then, in a safe area, heat the brakes up and see if you can duplicate the symptom.

And welcome to the best LBC forum on the planet! You'll find lots of friendly and knowledgeable people here!

Tim
 
Thanks for the reply Tim. Not sure when the brakes were last bleed but the fluid doesn't look that new. I will get the local garage to bleed them for me and give it a look over.
The drive was very calm; 25-30 MPH down the coast road from Brighton to Newhaven and the previous owner was a mature driver and drove the car with his wife.
The history shows the brakes overhauled a few times, but last done about 8 years ago, it looks like it has braided hoses.
Just wanted to make sure there were no vacuum hoses or something silly that might have come lose.
Cheers.
Ian.
 
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