breaks locking / solution !

[am99ey]

I solved the problem of my servo locking up occasionally. I was very close to giving up and switching to a lockheed replacement.
http://www.sunbeamalpine.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6035&highlight=breaks+looking
Apart from my threat two years ago, the forum is full of this topic.
So I would like to share my experience/solution for those who have come, or will come across this problem.
At the time I had rebuilt my MC/Servo with a standard rebuild kit including some honing work on bores and machining the valve seats.
No problems so far, just - the servo would occasionally not release the breaks.
(..disassemble and reassemble for three times)
The leather seal would not do its job properly, the final solution I found on jlspares.com. Scott knew exactly what to do.
Quote:
.. The problem with the vacuum piston is that if they even slightly move to the side upon travel then they jam near the top of the canister due to the roll over of the canister. Our seal is a specially made polyurethane seal incorporating several grooves in the side which will retain grease applied upon rebuild. They cost 25 GBP pounds including a new back gasket...
Unquote:

My Girling IIa is now working perfectly since approx. 1'000km.
Fast response on breaking and complete releasing afterwards.
According to Scott's experience, this will stay so for a long time.
To me it was worth to give it a try. See the pictures, PN me for a full_size version.
Good luck, Andy

 

[SIVAllan]

Thanks Andy,

I suspect that one of a number of such issues can cause the sticking problem. The rebuilder mentioned these two: weak piston spring or sticky control valve...if there is/was a problem with kit materials I would hope that to be known by now as I paid "retail" for a rebuild.

But that you - and others - prevailed and found solutions is very encouraging.

The unit goes back this week, and hopefully the correct problem can be found.

Thanks again.

 

[albeam]

Brakes Locking

Hi All


I have followed this thread for many years but i too still have
the same condition with my brake system. I have a VH44 Girling
brake booster and a alpine master cyclinder both rebuilt yet still
the brakes will lock up. Some days it does not happen at all and others
within five minutes of travel the brakes will lockup and the brake pedal
is so solid it is like a brick wall. Pull over to the side of the road , kick the
living daylights out of the pedal and it releases and there is no problem
for the rest of the day. I drive the car at least weekly. I am sure this
condition is not just peculiar to Sunbeam Alpines.


Albeam
Sunbeam Alpine Series IV

 

[V6 JOSE]

Hi Al,

I had a booster rebuilt on my first Alpine, and it would lock up like yours, until I put a very light coating of grease on the leather seal in the piston inside the large canister. I do not remember which brand, it ias been many years since I did it, but I would suggest looking for a grease that will not affect the leather seal.

Jose

Hi All


I have followed this thread for many years but i too still have
the same condition with my brake system. I have a VH44 Girling
brake booster and a alpine master cyclinder both rebuilt yet still
the brakes will lock up. Some days it does not happen at all and others
within five minutes of travel the brakes will lockup and the brake pedal
is so solid it is like a brick wall. Pull over to the side of the road , kick the
living daylights out of the pedal and it releases and there is no problem
for the rest of the day. I drive the car at least weekly. I am sure this
condition is not just peculiar to Sunbeam Alpines.


Albeam
Sunbeam Alpine Series IV

 

[albeam]

Hi Jose,



Thank you for your advice. I will inform my brake "experts"
I truly wonder about some of the operaters I come across.
I suppose the other part of this little problem is just the
random nature of it. I can go for weeks without any
lockup and then bingo, it all happens again. My flexible hoses
appear in good order and there is just no pattern to trace the
fault. Many Thanks

Albeam
B9400273GT HRO

 

[George Coleman]

The grease I used was the red grease that you would use for girling rebuilds worked for awhile but after years of use I just took the booster off and use an early Alpine master on both of my cars Alpine V and Tiger