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MG MGB Technical - Braking questions

I have a 73B, when I brake, the pedal slowly goes to the floor. Over the past few weeks it has gotten progressively worse, I have to pump the brakes 4-5 times to come to a complete stop from a reasonable speed. There are no leaks of brake fluid anywhere. I have bled the brakes, but it isnt any better. The gasket on my master cylinder cap is no good. Could this gasket be allowing air to get into the m.c. thus causing my braking issues. What else can I try or look for?
Matt L

Matt, The missing gasket isn't the problem, the cap is vented to atmospheric pressure, the gasket keeps your cylinder from leaking all over your paint. Have you carefully adjusted the emregency brake cables and the rear brakes? Even if they are out of adjustment you still should have enough brake in the front to keep the pedal from going to the floor. It sounds like your problem may be a bad master cylinder assuming all the air is out of the system and the rear brakes are properly adjusted. Will the pedal go to the floor if you push it down while the car is not moving? Please stop driving the car until you get some dependable brakes, we don't want you to get hurt. Get back to us if you have additional questions. Good luck, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

The pedal will slowly go down if the car is not moving as well. Rear brakes have been adjusted, havent adjusted the ebrake cable, but it should be fine, it was replaced and adjusted 6 months ago.
Matt L

Assuming no external leaks, it is an internal leak in the master clinder. Rebuild or replace. The only other thing that causes a falling pedal is similar internal leakage in a brake booster, which you shouldn't have one of.
FRM
http://www,usachoice.net/gofanu
FR Millmore

I agree with FRM, it sounds like the internal seals in the master cylinder. These can be replaced if you consider yourself to be reasonably competent. Otherwise get it refurfished by a mechanic or replace it.

But dont drive it, if the seals fail completely then you will have no brakes.

Rob
Robert Brandreth

This thread was discussed on 13/09/2004

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.