Repair of brake servo's

[John_Progess]

I have a Girling MK2B brake servo on my 64 BJ8 and was wondering if there is a repair service for these units. Replacement units are a little pricy but if I cannot get mine repaired I guess I have little choice. Thanks for your help and have a good day!

John

 

[Dave Richards]

I have an old unit that needs service too. I seem to recall Keoke being agin' a rebuild, (I might be using his name in vain...) I opted for a new unit.

I know they sell rebuild kits, but I've not heard anything positive, maybe others have.

Where are you in Utah? (I'm a Ute alum, bleed red, not blue )

 

[JodyFKerr]

Hey Guys,

I've been progressively reading my way through the parts catalog, Norman Nock's tech book, and a couple of the other books I have on hand (I'm getting ready for my rebuild).

So, I happened across a couple interesting mentions on oddness of the power brakes in Norman's tech tips, as well as information on bits not included in the rebuild kit that might cause problems.

I'm looking at the brake booster, it doesn't seem that it woul dbe terribly difficult to rebuild. The most important part, like any booster, is to make sure you've got all the seals & gaskets in perfectly. So, my thought is that it's a slow, anal retentive process, rather than a difficult one.

But, the original request was for a rebuilder. Have you checked with British Car Specialists? Sounds like something that's right up their alley. And considering Norman runs the place, I can't think of folks that would be much more knowledgeable.

Please note: My research is just that. I have not performed this task on this specific type of car.

The booster setup isn't much different on my Jensen Healey, excepting that it's a sealed unit and not possible to open without the appropriate tooling.

I'll have to be doing this at some point, so I'll be really interested in what you find out.

Jody

 

[Cutlass]

I had mine rebuilt by Power Brake Exchange, Inc. in San Jose, California. https://www.powerbrakeexchange.com They were prompt, professional, but not cheap. My car is not on the road as yet, so I can't vouch for the quality of the rebuild, but as far as I know they are fine.

 

[Cutlass]

Sorry, the link is apparently not working. Google'em.

 

[MarkA]

I hear that Power Brake Exchange is a good place to do the work. They service more than just LBC's. I spoke to them when it was time for my booster to be rebuilt and they were very nice.

Having nothing better to do and needing a quick turn-around, I decided to do the rebuild myself with the kit from Moss. My problem was leaking seals, so the rebuild was simple and straight forward. Spent most of my time cleaning and painting. I also replaced the master, rebuilt the front calipers and replaced the rear cylinders. Got it done over a weekend.

Mark

 

[John_Progess]

My unit is the style with the crimp band which holds the halves together. It looks like it is not going to come off easily if at all.
Dar: I live in Kaysville which is between Ogden and Salt Lake.
Cutlass: Can you tell me approximately how much they charge for a rebuild. Hopefully it is less than the approximate $600 cost of a new one. Thanks and have a good day!

John

 

[GregW]

Hi John,
Not sure if you're going all-original or not. A new PBR booster runs $379 (plus shipping).

 

[John_Progess]

GregW,
I am interested in orgionality when practical and economical. I don't do show cars only interested in drivers. Where is this available for $379? Thanks and have good day!

John

 

[GregW]

Here ya go John. Tom's Import Toys

 

[zblu]

Got a Girling MK2B part No., or a PBR No.?

 

[Cutlass]

As I recall, the cost was around $275.00. Not cheap. I'll check when I get to the office tomorrow.

 

[GregW]

Hi zblu,
I didn't see any part numbers on the pamplet that came with the PBR. I'l try to check the unit tomorrow when I go work on the car. It's one of two choices. the VH44 (more likely) or the VH40. Here's a PDF link. They're located in East Bentleigh, don't know how close that is to you. Here is their main website .

 

[GregW]

My parts list shows the following Girling boosters for BJ8's #25400 on; 13H 1573 and 13H 3360, which I guess is an updated replacement unit. The quote in the list says " W.S.E. use 13H 3360 "

 

[zblu]

substitute Lockheed powerstop, seem to be same as girling powerstop mk2b, wont be original for concours though,
seems they were fitted to 66-68 fords over here,and new pbr vh 40/44 around $230, or $145 exchange, methinks a trip to the junkyard would net one at $20-30 bucks

 

[Cutlass]

John: In 2006, Power Brake Exchange rebuilt my Girling booster for $265.00. Good luck, Jim.

 

[Andy65]

I had one rebuilt by Apple Hydraulics. So far so good. They said the condition of the inner surface determines whether they are rebuildable. I read that the surface had a special coating and an odd lubricant is needed to do it right.

 

[zblu]

GregW

VH 44 Suits drum brakes $ 145 changeover $245 outright purchase
VH 44 B More power than VH44 $ 155 changeover $255 outright purchase
VH 44 J Valiant-----Cooper S $ 155 changeover $255 outright purchase
VH 40 Hi Power Universal fitment $ 155 changeover $230 outright purchase
VH 40AL Ford XT $ 155 changeover $ 230 outright purchase
VH 40B Ideal for US drum brake $ 155 changeover $ 230 outright purchase
VH40 D Dodge light truck $ 155 changeover $ 230 outright purchase
VH 40 EL Austin 1800 Mk.11 $ 155 changeover $ 230 outright purchase

As you can see Greg, a few different sub models

 

[GregW]

Dang, more than are listed in their PDF by a mile. I looked at mine on Monday and didn't see any obvious model number. The vacuum chamber is quite large, could be either a 7.5" or 9" piston in there.

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

I had one rebuilt by Apple Hydraulics. So far so good. They said the condition of the inner surface determines whether they are rebuildable. I read that the surface had a special coating and an odd lubricant is needed to do it right.

Several years ago a friend of mine rebuilt his servo and the piston started sticking. The little bit of grease/lubricant that came with the rebuild kit wasn't enough do properly lubricate everything. He purchase more lubricant and "worked it into" the large piston bore like you would when applying paste wax to a car. He also made sure the leather seal was well lubricated too. After he did that it worked very smooth and is still holding up after 20 plus years since he did it.
Patrick