16 replies to this topic

[Bobbins]

Can anyone confirm that the current metal clutch master cylinder from Minispares is a decent o/e spec quality?



It’s not cheap, but I’m doing a full nut and bolt rebuild and I know it’ll annoy me later if I struggle to rebuild the 25 year old one to a decent standard. Tempted to buy a new replacement plus a seal kit to rebuild the old one and keep it as a spare, like many of the current rubber products though I have no way of knowing if the quality is okay until 12 months on!

Edited by Bobbins, 20 December 2023 - 05:22 AM.

[gav]

Yes they are genuine AP units. 

[coopertaz]

fitted one of these to car when restoring and bite point was really low definately a clutch not brake one took it back and exchanged for one with plastic reservoir and bite point fine! both were bled correctly. sure loads of people will have used the tin can one fine but know 2 other people who also had same issue as me

[DeadSquare]

With the brake master cylinder in your car, this doesn't apply, but as a tip for early Minis owners who are doing an extensive rebuild, I always swap the clutch innards with the brake innards and vice versa.

 

This allows me to orientate them 180 degrees so that when I mount the one that now has the clutch innards, on the clutch pedal, the filling hole is in front of the pipes instead of behind them, and the same with the brake.

 

This makes topping up much easier.

[bpirie1000]

I would also add that a pair of decent r clips instead of the split pins under the column would be a great addition....

Those split pins and me have had many a fall out in various bizzare positions. Head in floor well and torch in mouth swearing at the brilliant design.

[Bobbins]

Good suggestion re the plastic version, I’ve ordered one 👍

[gav]

I would also add that a pair of decent r clips instead of the split pins under the column would be a great addition....

Those split pins and me have had many a fall out in various bizzare positions. Head in floor well and torch in mouth swearing at the brilliant design.

 

Not a fan of R clips in safety critical applications, seen a few come out.... 

[imack]

I've had these clutch and brake master cylinders fitted since 2016, no problems.

[coopertaz]

I've had these clutch and brake master cylinders fitted since 2016, no problems.

as is stated just my experience not a recommendation or otherwise of this product!

[croc7]

 

I would also add that a pair of decent r clips instead of the split pins under the column would be a great addition....

Those split pins and me have had many a fall out in various bizzare positions. Head in floor well and torch in mouth swearing at the brilliant design.

 

Not a fan of R clips in safety critical applications, seen a few come out.... 

 

Twenty years with the proper R clips and no problems for me.

[Bobbins]

I would also add that a pair of decent r clips instead of the split pins under the column would be a great addition....

Those split pins and me have had many a fall out in various bizzare positions. Head in floor well and torch in mouth swearing at the brilliant design.

Not a fan of R clips in safety critical applications, seen a few come out....

Twenty years with the proper R clips and no problems for me.

Yes … but you can fit a badly sized split pin and remain safe, a badly sized R-clip is a different matter!

[Midas Mk1]

I would also add that a pair of decent r clips instead of the split pins under the column would be a great addition....

Those split pins and me have had many a fall out in various bizzare positions. Head in floor well and torch in mouth swearing at the brilliant design.

Not a fan of R clips in safety critical applications, seen a few come out....

I work on 120k+ cars with R clips on brake linkages, right size they are perfect for application.

[Midas Mk1]

To the op, you've already cast doubt on your original setup, so think you already know to replace with new, it's what i'd do. I've had 24 year old master seals fail this year, wouldn't hesitate twice on the next one.

Edited by Midas Mk1, 22 December 2023 - 08:51 PM.

[Bobbins]

To the op, you've already cast doubt on your original setup, so think you already know to replace with new, it's what i'd do. I've had 24 year old master seals fail this year, wouldn't hesitate twice on the next one.

Following the above comments I ordered the plastic chamber version from Minispares and it arrived yesterday ready for my festive holiday in the garage 👍

[absx2]

fitted one of these to car when restoring and bite point was really low definately a clutch not brake one took it back and exchanged for one with plastic reservoir and bite point fine! both were bled correctly. sure loads of people will have used the tin can one fine but know 2 other people who also had same issue as me

There is a small washer next to the seal inside the cylinder that can sometimes stick on a new cylinder and this will not allow or restrict the fresh fluid being drawn into the bore hence the low pedal. this can and does happen on any type of master cylinder. It shouldn`t happen on a new unit but it does and all it needs is disassembly and a clean.