MX-5 brake failure

[NRS]

Hi,

I have a MX-5 NB/Mk.2 (1999 model). This morning one of the calipers seemed to have got stuck - so much so the wheel was dragged without rotating over snow/ice when I reversed in my parking place this morning. I wondered if it had frozen, and when I drove a little further on the drive it popped and started rolling. However when then applying the brakes they basically have stopped working. There is no leaking fluid where the car is, and the brake fluid levels are fine. I'm guessing the brake master cylinder has probably failed? Anything else it might be?

Thanks!

[tr7v8]

Not the master probably a partially seized calliper, other than rust it seems to be the weak spot of MX5s. Easiest to get a recon calliper & swap it.

[E-bmw]

tr7v8 said:

Not the master probably a partially seized calliper, other than rust it seems to be the weak spot of MX5s. Easiest to get a recon calliper & grease it properly before you swap it.

FTFY

I was told by an old mechie many years ago "assume you will be the next one to work on it" it has always worked for me.

[NRS]

tr7v8 said:

Not the master probably a partially seized calliper, other than rust it seems to be the weak spot of MX5s. Easiest to get a recon calliper & swap it.

Thanks for the replies! I have had to change a couple of the other calipers before - as you said a weak point, but they were just sticking. The reason I didn't think it was the caliper was the complete brake failure. Why would the brakes effectively suddenly stop working overnight with this - air in the system? I thought that would mean it goes soft? The brake pedal feels pretty normal, just there is very little stopping effect!

Edited by NRS on Friday 5th January 13:01

[tr7v8]

NRS said:

tr7v8 said:

Not the master probably a partially seized calliper, other than rust it seems to be the weak spot of MX5s. Easiest to get a recon calliper & swap it.

Thanks for the replies! I have had to change a couple of the other calipers before - as you said a weak point, but they were just sticking. The reason I didn't think it was the caliper was the complete brake failure. Why would the brakes effectively suddenly stop working overnight with this - air in the system? I thought that would mean it goes soft? The brake pedal feels pretty normal, just there is very little stopping effect!

Edited by NRS on Friday 5th January 13:01

If the master goes you normally get a very different pedal feel but some braking. It probably all needs a check through TBH. When was the fluid last changed?