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MG TD TF 1500 - Total Brake Failure

Well I thought I was going to be able to avoid working on the TF brakes - since I had a good strong pedal and everything seemed fine.

Yesterday though, I had the left rear cylinder seize and totally stop the car when driving at a slow speed in town (it felt like a flat tire at first) - the car literally would not move.

To fix that, I simply located the correct wheel (the one with the hot knock off!) and opened the bleeder. That cured that. Then today during an evening drive in the country, I came up to an intersection and ugh - total loss of pedal. So, the master cylinder and the wheel cylinders will be inspected.

Driving home on the hand brake is always fun!

I am guessing the master cylinder cup is faulty - but possibly the left rear wheel cylinder has lost its seal.
Any thoughts?


Jeff
Jeff

Check your rubber hoses going to each wheel (and the one up under the rear end)... when they get old, they act like a one way valve... will allow pressure to the cylinders but not let it back!
gblawson(gordon)

Jeff.
Gordon is 100% correct. If the brake freed itself when you opened the bleeder it means that the hose is constricted and the slight return spring pressure on the brake shoes was insufficient.
At this time I might suggest that you replace all three hoses followed by a clean-up on the six cylinders with new cups at least.Do it now because it will get you when you least expect it.
Sandy
conrad sanders

Thanks Guys - I will check those flex lines as well. I imagine they are about 10-15 years old on this car. One may have ruptured after swelling up as you mentioned.

I knew I wasn't going to be able to put the brakes off - they just seemed so good!

J
Jeff

This thread was discussed on 22/06/2008

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