Wheel brake cylinders

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Webley1991

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My Series has not been used much at all this year due to some problems which needed sorting. This has in turn caused more problems as it has spent a lot of time standing.

I have found that all of the brake cylinders have started to seep fluid around the piston seals. All of these were brand new units which were fitted back in 2015. Are they usually prone to leakage if left standing?

I have seen that both cast iron and alloy cylinders are available. Is there any particular material which is prefereable?

Thanks for any replies.
 
Ideally they shouldn't leak (as I'm sure you'll agree!) but I guess these days with everything made to the lowest cost the chances of leaks are greater - I'd replace with a "better" brand and cross my fingers - and legs - and whatever else I can cross for luck...
 
The ally wear faster but I doubt that's an issue, in my experience the iron ones seem to corrode faster, even a tiny bit of water really seems to mess the bore up. The ally ones seem a bit more moisture resistant which is suprising as you would expect galavanic corrsion..
 
Mine lasted a bout 18 months before they started seizing up and I use it every day. I went with iron thinking they would last but it seems moisture got into two of them.
The rubbers have been replaced which seems to have helped. I also blathered everything in pink grease.
 
Thanks for the replies.

The cheapest Britpart ones (£7 each) are alloy, the more expensive Delphi (£15) and TRW (£39) are cast iron. I originally fitted Britpart ones, a couple of those leaked so I replaced them with Delphi and they have also failed. The front passenger side is Delphi and that one seems to have leaked the worst. I have only ever driven the Series in on-road conditions, so they shouldn't have been exposed to too much water.

I did consider removing the rubbers and putting extra rubber grease onto the seals on the replacements before fitting.

It seems that a few people have had problems with the cylinders leaking. My everyday vehicle is over 20 years old and has drum brakes on the rear. As far as I know the cylinders are original and have never had any problems. What is different about the Series Land Rover ones that they fail so easily?
 
My TRW cylinders where alloy, lack of use does seem to shorten life of brake and clutch cylinders
Brake fluid absorbs water and this affects the seals.
If the bores of your cylinders are not scored you can just fit new seals.
 
I will always try to re-seal original cylinders before buying new ones. Seal kits are fairly cheap and re-sealing doesn't take long.
 
iirc you would have to renew everything in the system to use silicon, afaik you can't put silicon into a system that has had the other stuff in it.

might be worth it if you plan on keeping the landy forever
 
I bought the alloy ones to start with then moved to cast iron. Better quality and don't fur up. Keep the dust seals in good shape and you should be ok. Also, replace the fluid regularly as attracts and absorbs water from the atmosphere
 
suburban said:
iirc you would have to renew everything in the system to use silicon, afaik you can't put silicon into a system that has had the other stuff in it.
Click to expand...

Is that to clear the brake fluid off all the rubbers before silicone goes in or do the seals need changing to a material to suit the silicone oil
 
steve2286w said:
Is that to clear the brake fluid off all the rubbers before silicone goes in or do the seals need changing to a material to suit the silicone oil
Click to expand...

no idea I am afraid, I just remember reading something or other years ago but cannot remember the reasoning.
 
I have been filling the caps with vaseline for more years than I care to remember,My series 3 is a farm runaround in the crud a lot of the time. Have found Vaseline keeps the cylinders good for years.
 
I have also found historically that lack of use encourages brake problems. I try to drive mine at least once every week even if it is only for a 3-4 mile run around the block. I think garaging it has also probably helped reduce leaking cylinder issues to some extent. The first press of the brake pedal after standing week is either a slight snatch or a very slight imbalance - 2nd press is fine. I suspect that drums get some surface corrosion standing.
 
I use mine every day and they still pìss themselves once a year. I think the off side fronts trying its best to seize anorl.
 
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