Brakes again!

[billywhizz]

Hi all, opinion and advice required please.
Now the brakes have disappeared on the beast, suspect master cylinder as no difference if I disconnect the servo, pedal to the floor and can't build up any pressure!
Would it be best to bite the bullet and go for am upgrade a la Monarch BMW version or keep standard. Pricing up a new m/cylinder plus servo as the one that is in there is original, would be much the same cost.
Has anyone done this here, and what are the problems you encountered?
Thanks, Nigel

[Kevin Garrod]

It's a tight squeeze, you have to modify (read dent) the inner wing for it to fit and drill new mounting holes. But quite straightforward if you can bring yourself to make the mods.

[Staggard]

I have put posting on this subject before, also there's some piccies in my album, I bought my 328i Servo and master on Ebay for £20 and made up my own reinforceing plate for the inside. Been on the there for about 3years now and prooving one of my better mod's. Graham
There's one on there now 400529332824
Item number

[billywhizz]

I have put posting on this subject before, also there's some piccies in my album, I bought my 328i Servo and master on Ebay for £20 and made up my own reinforceing plate for the inside. Been on the there for about 3years now and prooving one of my better mod's. Graham
There's one on there now 400529332824
Item number

Thanks, have you got any more and could you point me toward your posting. I presume any E36 one would be ok, I was told it was E30, I needed. I'm not a mechanic so will be getting my local classic car guy to do it for me. Presume you have to change the pipe connections as well?

Thanks. Nigel

[andy p]

if its an e30 one you need I am breaking 2 of them at the min

[Staggard]

It's an E36. I think (but can't be sure) that an E30 servo drum is too deep. you have to remake the brake pipe connections there metric 10 and 12mm IIRC you also need a reducer for the vacume pipe. As Kevin said you have to take you courage in both hands when you panel beat the inner wing out to take the bigger drum. The inner sandwich plate (made mine of ally) is a pain to make (I took out the pedal rack) But if you want I can make you a cardboard template from my one and post it to you when I am back in England in a week or so. You need this as when you drill the new holes they come too close to the edge of the orginal centre hole and with force on the brake pedal you could push the servo through the bulkhead. The other thing you have to do is drill out the pedal because the servo actuating rod clevis is 10mm. Hope some of this helps GrahamIMG_0100.JPGIMG_0101.JPGIMG_0102.JPGIMG_0103.JPGIMG_0104.JPG

[billywhizz]

Thank Graham, really helpful, thanks. Will PM you my address. If yours came off a 328I that would be E36 series. It sounds pretty daunting to me, but hopefully mine will come together relatively easily.
Just need to get the bits and someone to fit them (oh and and undo the bleed nipples on the front brakes, that have seized solid!)
By the time its back on the round the sun will have gone grrrr.
Nigel

[Stagsongas]

Nigel,

If I were faced with that problem I'd go the whole hog and do the mod. In for a penny.....

And thank you to the poster for the info. (can't go back to get the name now) as it is very useful.

Regards

Steve

[Staggard]

Thank Graham, really helpful, thanks. Will PM you my address. If yours came off a 328I that would be E36 series. It sounds pretty daunting to me, but hopefully mine will come together relatively easily.
Just need to get the bits and someone to fit them (oh and and undo the bleed nipples on the front brakes, that have seized solid!)
By the time its back on the round the sun will have gone grrrr.
Nigel

It's not daunting especially with a template it is a bit time consuming that's why you should do it yourself
we can talk you through it. caliper bleed nipples soak them in plus gas or warm them up a little but you will allways run the risk of shearing them off. Be lucky Graham

[billywhizz]

It's not daunting especially with a template it is a bit time consuming that's why you should do it yourself
we can talk you through it. caliper bleed nipples soak them in plus gas or warm them up a little but you will allways run the risk of shearing them off. Be lucky Graham

Thanks Graham, I think I will tackle the brake calipers myself, I'm not sure about drilling holes in the Stag!! Has anyone tried using coca cola, apparently that's good for cleaning up rusty parts. May work on the calipers??
Off to Halfords later to get some plus gas.
Regards, Nigel