Stephanie:
Your description of the symptoms indicates that the Brake Master cylinder
has an internal leak. There are a couple of other possibilities, but if
this was my car that would be the first suspect.
It is possible that the rear brakes being out of adjustment could give a
similar symptom. If pulling up on the hand brake lever at the same time you
hit the brakes cures the spongy feeling, then the rear shoes may have worn
in to the point that they need adjusting again.
Replacing the brake master on your Midget can be done by any competent
mechanic. It is a straight forward job.
good luck
Kelvin.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stephanie J. Gibbs [mailto:stephanie_j_gibbs@yahoo.com]
> Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2002 10:24 AM
> To: mgs@autox.team.net
> Subject: brakes: '77 Midget
>
>
> I've been experiencing intermittent brake problems with my
> '77 Midget this
> season. When one presses down upon the brake pedal, at first
> the original
> ("proper") resistance is encountered, and the car slows down.
> However,
> occasionally this resistance is not met, and the brake petal must be
> pressed almost completely in to have the car slow down / stop.
>
> This seems to happen slightly more frequently when the clutch is being
> used than not, although it has occurred both with and without the
> engagement of the clutch.
>
> The car does always (thus far) slow and stop -- but the
> amount of space
> and time it takes to do so can vary.
>
> Thus far: in May, new brake pads, emergency brake cable, and
> adjustment,
> all done by British mechanic in Boston.
>
> Current situation: Not in Boston. Any ideas to check? My mechanical
> knowledge is slight, but I am willing to get grease on my
> hands. Is this
> a brake problem that a generic mechanic might be able to help
> with, or one
> that should be left to a British specialty mechanic?
>
> All help appreciated!
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