TVR 350I brakes

[novio]

I have a white 1985 350i convertible that I have owned for 27 years now and it has about 44,000 miles on the clock, I recently took it for to the same Mot garage that I used for the last MOT with same tester and although it passed I had a few advisory's this time which seems strange as I had probally done less than a 100 miles in it from the last MOT, one was slight play in upper and lower ball joints, both front wheel bearings have slight play,and nearside rear drive shaft UJ which forms part of the suspension has slight play in universal joint. Can anyone advise what the parts are off and whether I can still obtain new parts o remedy the advisory's.

Also although the brakes passed the MOT ok the last time I took it for a run after about 20 minutes the brake pedal went to the floor with no feel to it, I quickly pumped it up and got a bit of a pedal again but it faded when I came to use the breaks again, I stopped at a pub and checked the fluid which was perfect so no leaks.I had some lunch at the pub and decided to drive the car home cautiously allowing plenty of breaking distance in case I lost the pedal again, it was working fine again at the start but after about 15 minutes the same thing happened again.It seems to fade when the brakes must be getting hot but works fine when they are cold, I had the front pads changed three years ago as well as the brake fluid so cannot see them been the problem although the discs are the original ones,any idea what car the discs are from as I might get them changed in case they are slightly warped.

I used to have it serviced at TVR on Bristol Ave before it went bump as I live around the corner from there and have never had anything really go wrong with it before, I have never taken it out in the rain and just use it in the summer so it does not get abused,I have never had any issues with the brakes before, I have a mobile mechanic friend coming round tomorrow to have a look but would appreciate any advise on what you think the problem come be with the brakes.

[V8 Fettler]

Check that the rear brakes aren't seizing, dragging on the disc(s), heating up and boiling the brake fluid. Might get away with brake cleaning spray on the calipers and lots of operation of the footbrake and handbrake to free them off (if that's the problem).

Foot to floor can be faulty servo as well

[ElvisWedgely]

There are several things it can be. Elimination and investigation is needed to find the problem. Starting with the simplest and the cheapest. Firstly check that the brake reservoir is not too full, blocking the breather hole on top of the reservoir cap. Make sure the reservoir cap breathing hole is clear. Then test the function of the servo. Put your foot firmly on the brake pedal and keep it there. Start the car with your foot firmly on the breake pedal. The brake pedal should lower slightly under your foot as the engine starts. This indicates that the servo is functioning satisfactorily. Jack up the rear of the car so that both wheels are free to turn. Release hand brake and turn rear wheels to make sure that they turn freely. Press the brake pedal to make rear brakes work, then try turning the rear wheels by hand again. They should turn freely. Do the same for the front. Visual check the brakes for any other problems being extra vidjulent for any other obvious problems like leaks. Hopefuly, somewhere, you,ll spot the problem. Spraying the calipers with brake cleaner is not a bad idea either as already suggested. This may free up anything sticking due to lack of use. And finally. Good luck.

Tony.TCB.

[ferlin]

this thread will help you with the UJ part numbers. Get them on ebay for lsnd rover.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=126...

[Tasmin200]

Front ball joints are off Mk3/4/5 Cortina. Cheap easy job. Front wheel bearings may just need greased and nipped up.

[njhucker]

The problem with the brakes is almost certainly sticky piston in rear caliper. Take out the pads and free them up. For permanent repair overhaul the calipers and fit stainless pistons.

[njhucker]

The front wheel bearings should have a small amount of free play. If you remove too much of the free play then on a long high speed run they will over heat and ruin the nearings. I have had this happen twice. Both times when touring France . Changing wheel bearings in the snow is not fun. I now carry a spare pair of bearings when touring

[novio]

Thanks to everyone for all the advise very kind of you to respond,hopefully we will get to the bottom of the brake problem today, does anyone know what manufacturer the rear brake components are, they are not on the wheels but in the middle of the axle, looks like it might be an old jaguar type set up

[V8 Fettler]

Someone put this up on that internet

http://www.wedgeneering.co.uk/TVR%20390SE%20p11.ht...