Brake Pedal very hard

[dolomitejohn]

Hi, I hope someone can help.
In my search for a car I test drove a late spec 2000 last week and noticed the brake pedal was VERY VERT hard but the brakes were working and freeing off when pedal released.

My perception is that the brake servo is not working.

A quick check to Rimmer bros and its clear that a late spec (1976) 2000 brake servo is not available any longer.

Are there any alternatives ? Stag ? Any ideas of a simple fix ? Any ideas of cost ?

Not sure if this car has tandem or single line brakes. (P reg TC).

Many thanks all.

JOhn

[Alec]

Hello John,

there are companies who can restore or recondition brake components including servos. Could it be a simple as a vacuum leak feeding teh servo or that the non return valve is missing?

Alec

[johnnydog]

If a UK spec car, it will undoubtedly have a single line braking system on it. Mk2 tandem systems usually have a twin pipe outlet on the brake master cylinder which will have a plastic reservoir, with a metal reservoir on the single line system, which easily identifies them.
I agree that it sounds like the servo is not working. An easy check is to pump the brake pedal with the engine off to expel the vacuum air until the brake pedal is hard. Then start the engine with your foot on the brake pedal. The engine can be hot or cold, but it is probably easier to start during the test when the engine is warm. If the servo is working, you should notice your foot sinking about 1/2" - 1" as the servo assistance comes into effect. If it sinks fully, then that is another issue!
Brake master cylinders can also seize, but if the brakes appear to releasing fully, then I would still go with the servo.
Has the car been off the road for a while?
Regarding a replacement servo unit, I am sure that you will be able to source a good known used one through members on here. Alternatively, I will no doubt have one, but I am away at the moment, depending on how fast you would want one (also depending of course on whether you have bought the car!)
Don't forget there were three sizes of servo on our Triumphs - two different sizes for the Mk1 and then the biggest of them all, the Mk2. The master cylinder mounting studs were in different orientations between Mk1 and Mk2, so you would need to replace it only with a Mk2 servo unit. They are not difficult to change, but ideally need the drivers parcel shelf removing for easier access to the mounting bolts and the clevis pin on the back of the pedal.
If you did want to go down the new 'old stock' route, I do know of a firm that specialises in genuine replacement new old stock hydraulics parts that has one, and only because I spoke to him last weekend at an autojumble and it was on his stall! It is a firm called Coasting Ltd., of Birmingham on 01564 702388 / www.coastings.co.uk
Just for the record, I have no connection with the company other than having bought several nos parts off him over the years.