I've had a report of another recent modulator washer failure here. Fortunately, they were only maneuvering, not tanking down the highway!
I have clicky pedal syndrom and an MoT due early next month.
Where can I get one of these rebuild kits from?
Last time I bought a kit from Russell, he was
http://www.rangeroversolutions.com/
email: rangeroversolutions@bigpond.com
Contact information.
Phone. 07 40941450 International. +61740941450
Mobile. 0418882354
E-mail. rangeroversolutions@bigpond.com
Postal.
P.O Box 237 32 Gadd close.
Mt Molloy Julatten
Queensland. 4871 Queensland. 4871
Australia. Australia.
Ta very much, I shall get in touch. I see he is based in Oz, how long did it take your kit to get over here?
Can't remember exactly. It was back in 2016. Around a week I think.
That's better than I expected, though still going to be tight.
I have emailed him, just got to wait for a reply. The old girl is going to be taking a fair chunk of the piggy bank this month...
Clicky Pedal doesn't necessarily mean 'certain death'... it might go on for years with no troubles at all...
That being said, if you get a reply, will you let me know how much they are? I am interested in one to put in my '98 restoration P38 - and happy to combine an order with you if it's OK... might save a bit in shipping if we split it
I have heard back, $165AUD including shipping.
Marty, mine has shown no degradation in braking performance, though I don't remember picking up on the pedal feel when I first got it back on the road. I am just a bit concerned what the MOT inspector might make of it.
Let me know ASAP about the kit and I'll ask for two. He has asked me for my model year so I'm guessing there are subtle changes.
To be fair, I thought my brakes were fine and the work was just part of the slow but sure overhaul she's been getting, and it was the brake system's turn. Sort of, "While you're down there".
However, there was a huge improvement afterwards. although how much of this was down to the new kit and how much due to a full brake bleed, we shall never know. Can't hurt to change out 20-odd year old O-rings though, can it?
The whole job, including new flexi pipes, led me to discover a leak in the pump. The shaft seal was worn and had a tiny, tiny weep. So that's where the fluid was going! Fortunately, it's a common domestic (nearly every house here has one) water pump size, so just under a quid solved that one as well.
Another job ticked off that I should never have to do again.
Removed my ABS unit today as part of a brake overhaul as I've been getting brake fade, even on smaller hills.
Don't think I'm getting any rear braking looking at the disk wear pattern.
So modulator removed following Russell's fantastic step by step instructions.
Removed piston and springs behind the pedal rod to find both plastic washers in fine form, no cracks or any issues.
Removed the allen keyed cover to removed the piston carrying the filter piston, Russell says may require firm tap but should move easily............ not a chance !!!!
Sods law..........absolutely solid.
Looking at the rest of the unit I think I've had water ingress and the filter piston has rusted/corroded into the aluminium.
Tried heat, bigger hammer but it won't move an inch.
Given it so much grief that the face is now damaged, so second hand one purchased from the "bay".
Just need to decide whether to fit it as is or strip it and replace the washers and seals from Russell's kit.
At least I've now got time to replace the brake pipe work while I'm waiting for the unit to arrive. LOL
Ah yes, I remember it well. It took me a good few heat/cool cycles before it let go.
A combination of threadlock and damp had conspired. I found that a plug off the end of my new brake hoses fitted into the hole on the plug a treat, so it's got that in now (with tiny breather hole - because you just never know) to keep the worst grot out.
Personally, now you've got the mod out, I'd just replace everything. Saves going back in there again!
The only problem with a second hand one, is how good is it ?. I’d keep going at getting your one apart, where theres a will, there’s a way, if it means smacking crap out of it, do it, if it means a small chisel or punch to get it moving so be it, plugs of various sizes are readily available from any plumbers merchant.
$165 for two stainless washers? Seems a bit excessive?
Cant we sort a list of parts here in the UK instead of shipping stuff half way around the world?
no10chris wrote:
The only problem with a second hand one, is how good is it ?. I’d keep going at getting your one apart, where theres a will, there’s a way, if it means smacking crap out of it, do it, if it means a small chisel or punch to get it moving so be it, plugs of various sizes are readily available from any plumbers merchant.
No10Chris, the only thing is that it's the piston behind the plug that's seized.
The plug came out reasonably easily, then turned it over to access the remaining piston.
I started off with a small brass drift but ended up with a socket and extension and giving it some real grief but as I said it's solid.
Sod's law I've managed to slip a disk, so the cars having to wait until I'm back on my feet but the intention is to rebuild the "previously owned" one I've now received when I can.
Aragorn wrote:
$165 for two stainless washers? Seems a bit excessive?
Cant we sort a list of parts here in the UK instead of shipping stuff half way around the world?
I believe those "washers" are specially made. :)
"specially made" as in he put them in a pillar drill? Come on, its hardly mega fabrication work or hours of machining...
What are the symptoms of needing this overhaul? Besides the "clicky" brake pedal already mentioned.
My brakes seem to work OK to me but there's been much in the way of feel from them.
Whenever my Mrs drives the car she insists the brakes are rubbish and "barely stop the car". In the last year I've had new front discs and pads and a new accumulator as I started getting the warning lights when pressing the pedal.
As the brake performance seemed OK to me I've tended to put her complaints down to unfamiliarity with the car (and it's longer, off road friendly long travel pedal) and her being used to much more modern vehicle with stronger brake pedal feel. I must admit though, when I drove her 2017 Astra the brakes did feel much more bitey and grabby.
Would worn out seals cause poor brake pedal feel? From what I can gather from other comments my Thor should already have the stainless steel washers rather than the crumbly plastic ones.
If your getting the 3 amigos then get the nanocom on it,
I'm not getting the three amigos - they started appearing early last year and I replaced the accumulator which solved that.
As far as I can tell the car's ability to stop is fine - it hauls itself up to a stop nice and quickly if I stand on the pedal (tested very recently as a suicidal pheasant attempted to use my front bumper as its means of ending its life this morning!). It's just that the initial bite seems soft and there's little to no feel from the pedal.
I was wondering if worn seals in the modulator might cause that.
I didn't think the plastic parts followed over into the later Wabco D modulators?
It is a big car to stop compared to an Astra, and most normal cars really. I've just had to replace my E39 with an E60 M Sport and the first few times I used the brakes I nearly hit the windscreen...
That said, Marty has some experience with rebuilding the later modulator, but that was more to do with inconsistent response than a generally vague/softness I think.