No Brake Pressure

[Graaf]

Well, I thought that the problem have been solved but alas not. I took the car out for a run of about 10 miles and last about half of the reservoir of fluid.

I have now got it booked in to a garage - not Lotus specialist.

I still can’t see any leaks so just in case where’s the best place to get a master cylinder or servo?

Thanks

[Tuga2112]

i would look at SJ as usual.. HOWEVER !!!

if you look back other threads in the forum you will find some people swapped the master cilinder with one from a diferent GM car (which one?, i cannot remember) and they claim the pedal feel to have improved a lot.

i would suggest you look up that or wait for someone with better memory than mine to point out where that MC came from. it may be cheaper than the original unit, and the longer travel may be preferable for a more controlled braking experience without spending money on a upgrade.

[dapinky]

.... some people swapped the master cilinder with one from a diferent GM car (which one?, i cannot remember) and they claim the pedal feel to have improved a lot.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314591752260

All the fittings are identical to the original (as they came from the same range of cars!), but the Delphi LM50014 has a 20mm bore, whilst the LM50087 has a 22mm bore (it isn't exactly those numbers as it is an Imperial size, but close enough for the purpose of this thread!).

Originally, the cars were fitted with the bigger M/C for whatever reason they thought best... except Lotus sourced them made from aluminium, not steel, and the new ones are steel (unless you pay a lot of money from Lotus themselves).

There are threads on here explaining all the science, maths and arguments about the change (for and against) - but the bottom line is that I get a pedal that I'm happy with, and the car stops fine!

[Graaf]

Thanks dapinky.

You are a fount of information, as always

[Graaf]

All sorted now garage found a minor leak on the brake line under the car which only leaked when under pressure.

Thanks again all for the advice.

[Tuga2112]

All sorted now garage found a minor leak on the brake line under the car which only leaked when under pressure.

Thanks again all for the advice.

funny. seems like rear brake line failure season started... Mine gone about 6 months ago, pinky got hes replaced because got a mot advisory and yours was leaking... i think we now know the brake lines average 32 years

[Graaf]

To be honest I’m amazed at the number of things that still do work!

[epipete]

I've procrastinated enough now but am at a complete loss as to how to remove the MC from the servo. I've undone the bolts but it is sealed to the servo and I can think of no way of getting it off/out.

So I fear that I'm going to have t strip out the interior and remove the servo.

It maybe that once out if the car I can get sufficient leverage or whatever to remove it but just incase does anyone have a spare servo or details of what its replacement may be and where I can get one?

[Fredjohn]

Pete
Did mine about a year ago, you definitely do not need to remove the servo to get the MC off.
Make sure all brake lines are off and all bolts holding on the MC. Double check the WSM and parts manual for guidance and bolt locations. Also don't forget the pin holding the plunger to the brake pedal!
And remove the reservoir separately.
Take a day off and revisit it. I sadly can't remember the detail of removal.

Good luck.

[epipete]

Thanks for that, I've just found a fantastic video on YouTube where the guy carefully cuts the 'ears' off and then is able to twist the body of the MC to break the seal and finally get it out.

Looks promising but he has more room for his saw than I've got. Maybe a Dremel job.