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Sticking brakes

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:55 am
by keith stringer
Hi,
I have just put my Lotus Elan SE4 back on the road after a long rest and part restoration. However when I brake as I pull the car up to a stop at a junction etc and then go to pull off the brakes stay on and cause the engine to labour however if I touch the brakes again they immediately free themselves off and I can pull away. Would this be a fault on the servo? The brakes do stop the car very well and in a straight line with no pulling to the side whatsoever.
Regards
Keith

Re: Sticking brakes

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 10:23 am
by 69S4
I've had that issue and it was a piston sticking in the servo. I changed the servo as I couldn't find either info or parts to rebuild it (it was a few years ago) but Google, or previous posts here would ease the problem there days. Is it the original servo?

Re: Sticking brakes

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 10:42 am
by john.p.clegg

Re: Sticking brakes

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 11:02 am
by Foxie
If there is insufficient free play in the brake pedal, it is possible the master cylinder may not fully retract and release the small valve to the fluid reservoir to release the pressure in the system.

:)

Re: Sticking brakes

PostPosted: Tue Sep 03, 2019 8:59 am
by keith stringer
Thanks I will try the servo. I wouldn't think it has been replaced but it does look very good. I have only just finished the car and only drove it twice on a small runs of about 5 miles. I plan to take it to a classic car and bike show this Saturday so will try it again. I am reluctant to go out and buy a new one straight away as I have spent just under 29 grand on it so far and I doubt if I will recoupe my losses. I shall be looking to sell as I have another project to do and after that I am going to hang up the towel.
Regards
Keith