brake switch

Author
Discussion

mas3200

Original Poster:

131 posts

240 months

Wednesday 23rd November 2005
quotequote all
Just had the brake switch replaced in an aero 8.
The switch cost just over a fiver, but it took 5,1/2 hours to fit, with the mechanics removing the front of the car.
The labour charge was £26/hour - the cheapest rate i've found and the service was excellent. The garage I used was Lessian Motors for classic cars in Ilkley, W. Yorks.
I have had the mog for 3 months, and have found it is much faster, cheaper to run, miles cheaper to insure and much more fun to own than my maserati - I'm no longer worrying about the next large bill or the next part to blow up.

Aero8

371 posts

285 months

Thursday 24th November 2005
quotequote all
mas3200 said:
Just had the brake switch replaced in an aero 8.
The switch cost just over a fiver, but it took 5,1/2 hours to fit, with the mechanics removing the front of the car.


I assume all the time was spent dismantling the front end? What was the reason for needing the switch replaced?

So you wouldn't recommend me buying a 3200 then? I'm looking to buy a 3rd car and this was at the top of my list..

BTW, I had a long chat with Harry Metcalfe, editor of EVO mag at the weekend. We ended up talking about the Aero and how under-rated it is. He mentioned that he intended to get hold of one for their long term test fleet...so fingers crossed


>> Edited by Aero8 on Thursday 24th November 08:34

morganic

10 posts

228 months

Thursday 24th November 2005
quotequote all
Brake switches - what is it with these? I have been through four in the past year (on a Plus 8), but I just know that next time I take the car out I'll have no brake lights. Do they stick or corrode over time, or are the parts just poor (I am presuming it is a Landrover part). Anyone got any clues?

Big-L

40 posts

225 months

Thursday 24th November 2005
quotequote all
Hi there,

Yes, the hydraulic brake switch is a regular problem. I have been lucky with only one failure shortly after I bought the car at three years old. The car had been mostly laid-up so the contacts had corroded with lack of self-cleaning use. I replaced mine on a regular Mog 4/4 in 15 minutes, about the norm for non-Aeros. Assuming the Aero uses the same £5 switch as other Mogs it was originally used on Austins and many other UK cars and made by Lucas. The problem seems to have got worse since the supplies started coming from replacement part suppliers. A group within the Mog community reckon that if you put a relay between the switch and the brake lights the problem goes away due to lower currents passing through the contact point if you have a relay. Just use the car regularly!

Cheers,
1997 Morgan 4/4 owner
Scotland

morganic

10 posts

228 months

Thursday 24th November 2005
quotequote all
Thanks - that is useful to know. I guess it is scarf on this weekend to blow out the cobwebs and get it all unstuck. Still, it is nice to see that the Aero maintains at least some of the traditional values that give a Moggie character...

mas3200

Original Poster:

131 posts

240 months

Thursday 24th November 2005
quotequote all
yep - all the time spent involved unbuilding and rebuilding the front end!
After a phonecall to morgan - it turns out that the brake switch is a common problem due to the cars' underuse. Mine has done 6000 miles in 3 years. I am glad I've found a competent garage a stones throw a way that will touch my car and charge me without taking the piss. TVR owners - take note!

>> Edited by mas3200 on Thursday 24th November 23:10

>> Edited by mas3200 on Thursday 24th November 23:10

mas3200

Original Poster:

131 posts

240 months

Thursday 24th November 2005
quotequote all
aero 8 - I recommend the 3200 with all my heart
the brain may however disagree.
Don't get me wrong - the 3200 is incredible to drive - when you put your foot down and the turbos begin to spin you realise this is a quick car! the sound is incredible and no other car thrusts you back in the seat like this. Every time you are behind the wheel is an occasion that makes you feel special.
I had mine for around 18 months and used it as an everyday car.
During the ownership I had around £9000 of parts replaced under warranty.
After selling mine to a garage in southport after picking up the aero, the problems started.
On the 3200's 1st test drive, the engine exploded leaving the dealer I sold it to a little red faced.
The salesman is now taking legal action against the main dealer for negligence during the service????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want a decent 3200 - mine was very well looked after, and the engine may have been replaced by now it may be on sale in southport.
It was a Y (01) grigio touring GTA had done 34000 miles when Iast seen, and had the full becker sound system.
maserati's are gorgeous cars, but the upkeep is such that why anyone would keep one is a mystery

Aero8

371 posts

285 months

Friday 25th November 2005
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mas3200 said:

maserati's are gorgeous cars, but the upkeep is such that why anyone would keep one is a mystery


Now you really have put me off

I want something low maintenance...

mas3200

Original Poster:

131 posts

240 months

Friday 25th November 2005
quotequote all
very sorry - didn't mean to be so negative
it was an amazing car in which every mile I drove was a pleasure.
like the morgan, it is rarely seen and respected by all drivers and I do miss it.
However, if you want something cheap to run - this isn't the car for you - check out the maserati forums

mr_tony

6,328 posts

270 months

Tuesday 29th November 2005
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3200 gorgeous, fast, exciting to drive, distinctive, all the things a maserati should be. Not cheap to run by any stretch. Sure there were long periouds of little major cost (apart form the ever present cost of fuel - mine managed aroun 15mpg usually, and thats with the 98 RON stuff).. Then every now and again a little niggle - never a showstopper mind would pop up and always without fail cost 4 figures to deal with. Whether it was lambda sensors or and air con compressor change from a grand was rare!

Areo on the other hadn has cost me the grand total of 5 quid in maintenance in 6 months! Still miss the mas though - the thump in the back of the turbos was an absolute thrill every time, and the ability to cruise at 150+ all day on the autobahns and still have power in reserve is mind boggling!