General I've got one!!!!!

[Blade]

Well, I am now the very proud owner of a red 1987 X1/9.
Will post up some pics when I get the chance.

The car has loads of hostory with it, going right back to when it was first registered. It's got 88K miles on the clock. Recently had new radiator and many other bits. Drives really well, apart from a severe lack of braking!!

I know these cars do not have servo assisted brakes, but having had two before I know they should still pull up quite well. This one does not.

It's had new discs and pads front and rear within the last 600 miles.

Anyone experienced similar braking probs?

Has anyone on here upgraded the system with a servo?

Cheers

Blade

 

[jimbro1000]

Don't bother with a servo - it really, really messes the brakes up and is not easy to install.

If the car refuses to pull up straight it is most likely down to the caliper not sliding freely in the mounting frame. These need constant maintenance to keep them in peak condition but are easy to free up and get clean.

Next on the list is the master cylinder - this is basically two cylinders inline and it is not unknown for the seals to fail internally so little or no pressure is applied when you hit the pedal, or for the second cylinder to bottom out and fail to return.

The other possibility is a sticky caliper which is harder to fix given the difficulties in locating a set of replacement seals (if anyone knows where to get them I would love to know myself). In most cases it will be down to just replacing the caliper with a rebuilt unit.

While you're at it replace all the semi-perished rubber flexible hoses with steel braided lines (about £100 for a set of 4).

 

[Blade]

Thanks Jimbro for the reply.

Will be giving the brakes a complete overhaul a.s.a.p.
Have brand new front and rear calipers, upgraded discs and pads and a new brake master cylinder. Will order some braided lines too as soon as my bank balance will allow!!!

Cheers