I took my 1989 1.0 Rover Metro into a rapid-service type brake outfit this morning, as my brakes did not feel right (brake pedal travelling too far, hand brake lever coming up too far and loss of "sharpness" when braking).
They have diagnised that the passenger side brake cylinder has cracked and leaked brake fluid over the shoes and drum. Shoes, drum and cylinder all need replacing.
Obviously the shoes and drum need replacing on both sides, if the cylinder on the drivers side is OK, does that need replacing too?
Thanks in advance,
D7
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Both cylinders need replacing.If one has given up the other is not far behind and is indicative of the state of the rest of the system.Replacing the drum is debatable even on the leaky side so long as it is washed thoroughly with a suitable solvent it should be ok. Unless the shoes are dripping wet with oil they can usually be salvaged in a similar fashion.
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Given the age of the car and assuming that neither of the cylinders has been changed in the past, if the seals on one side have failed, the pressure will be on the the other side to fail shortly. It would be false economy not to replace both. This is a safety issue, your safety first.
If the shoes on the N/S are contaminated and cannot be salvaged, you will have to buy a set of four in any case, so again change both.
As to the brake drums, they may not need to be changed, subject to cleaning and inspection.
Consider also, fluid change. Fast Fit place will probably recommend this in any case, it covers them and is a nice little earner.
Changing the above and adjusting the cable tension will take care of the hand brake problem.
Please do not take chances where brakes are concerned.
Rgds.
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I agree in general with the above. That is, replace the cylinders on both sides and replace the fluid, but almost certainly no need to replace the drums if fluid contamination is the only problem. Of course, if the drums are badly worn they should be replaced.
Though fluid-contaminated shoes can be salvaged (I have done this many times over the years), the cost of new shoes for a Metro shouldn't break the bank and I would renew them.
It may, of course, be as cheap to have the fast fit place replace all the items rather than run up a labour charge for cleaning the existing drums and/or shoes and this would need checking. This is where D-I-Y pays off (under the watchful eye of an experienced person if necessary).
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Many thanks to all for your answers. Quite agree that taking chances is a no-no, esp on the braking system! Cheers all,
D7
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An update -
You were all quite right - the shoes obviously had to be changed, and the cylinders, but the drum was fine - after a bit of spit and polish! Job done thanks to Halfords, Mr Haynes and the backroom boys! Total cost 50 quid - vastly different to the 215 quid quoted by fast-fit outfit!!
Many thanks all!
D7
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Its nice to win one occasionally. Your turn to get the "virtual beers" in !
Rgds, Pete.
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