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Master cylinder alternatives

Posted: 30 Aug 2014 21:13
by 76tr7rules
Ive gotten to the point where I am working on the brake system while I wait for someone to find me a gas tank. Ive been searching everywhere.

So I had a question my master cylinder is original and Id like to replace it for safety. I cant find it any where, most masters are part number 11-2440 which is discontinued. The only places are the restoration companies for over $200!!!!! It just seems nuts to pay so much for a master cylinder. Are there any master cylinders that would work on it instead. The master cylinder from an 80 MGB looks almost identical, and MGB's use the same rebuild kit so it must be the same bore.

Posted: 30 Aug 2014 22:53
by Workshop Help
Yes, they are expensive these fine days. If you will kindly allow your fingers to do the walking in the hallowed halls of EBAY, I see two new ones available. One for $227.50 with free shipping and another one for $215.00 with free shipping. As an added bonus, depending on where you reside, there may be no sales tax.

As for the brake servo, there are several servo rebuild kits, RTC1374. But, no actual servos themselves. I recommend getting the repair kit and having your servo rebuilt.

There is an article in The Workshop Manual outlining this entire task. You are respectfully invited to view it at no charge and with free parking available.

Mildred Hargis

Posted: 31 Aug 2014 03:21
by 76tr7rules
My biggest fear is having the master cylinder go out on me after a rebuild. When I was in tech school we asked the brakes teacher to teach us how to rebuild master cylinders and other hydraulics and he told us never to do it he was almost brought up on manslaughter charges. He rebuilt the master cylinder on a church van to help the church save money, it lasted about a month then it failed on the parkway killing a few of the people involved in the accident. He showed us articles and everything about the accident so I dont think it was BS. Because of that I always had a phobia about rebuilding brake parts my self. I just imagine running over school children or a family because I tried to save money.

At least professionally rebuilt parts are bored and sleeved to make sure everything is true and seals well.

Posted: 31 Aug 2014 04:52
by FI Spyder
Rebuilt mine 8 years ago and can lock all four wheels on standard system with new tires.

- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT
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Posted: 31 Aug 2014 06:05
by saabfast
I have rebuilt the Master cylinders on various cars over the years and never had a problem, just take care to check the bore is OK, keep it clean and put the seals in the right way round.

The only one I failed on was the TR7, the small 'auxiliary' piston was frozen and would not move. I bought a rebuilt one from S&S but that leaked. They said that 50% of them do - no idea who does the rebuilds but apparently (in the UK) they all come from the same place. I changed it for a new uprated M/C and servo unit from S&S and its been fine, with better braking. IIRC it cost about £200 (probably 5 years ago), but at least it renewed two old components in one go.

Alan
Saab 9-5 2.3t Vector Auto Estate
'81 TR7 DHC
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Posted: 31 Aug 2014 16:18
by Bobbieslandy
There was a guy on ebay selling sherpa units for 20 odd quid each a few years ago, someone must of of bought more than one and could do you a deal? I wish i had!

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Posted: 01 Sep 2014 02:20
by 76tr7rules
Whats involved in putting a sherpa unit in? Also who makes the sherpa?

Posted: 01 Sep 2014 03:22
by Cobber
The Sherpa was a van that Leyland sold on the UK market.
I doubt any went to the US, they didn't come here to Oz.

"Keep calm, relax, focus on the problem & PULL THE BLOODY TRIGGER"

80'Triumph TR7, 73'Land Rover (Ford 351. V8),
'89 Ford Fairlane
'98 MG-F, 69'Ford F250.

Posted: 01 Sep 2014 10:30
by saabfast
I think the Serpa unit was what S&S sold as 'uprated' (and probably still do). It fits directly in place of the existing TR7 unit, the servo is just a larger diameter and the MC a larger bore.

Alan
Saab 9-5 2.3t Vector Auto Estate
'81 TR7 DHC
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Posted: 01 Sep 2014 22:24
by Craig C
PBR 15/16" Master Cylinder and servo from a VS Commodore.

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Craig
TR7V8 with PBR 15/16 Master Cylinder....

Posted: 02 Sep 2014 04:58
by john 215
Hi,

That's bigger bore than a Sherpa's which I think is 7/8".

Robsport still provide the Sherpa set up and guess S & S still do.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triumph-TR7-T ... 43cdc41635

Have also seen Rover SD1 master cylinders on ' our ' cars but believe they req. a little work to fit.

I rebuilt my Sherpa cylinder over the winter as it developed a very minor weep out it, new seals and honed the bore. A few weeks ago a numb skull stopped suddenly in front of me and had to jump on the brakes very quickly and thank god I had rebuilt it, had no problem. If bore and pistons are worn or scored then don't take a chance is my advice.

Cheers John

ImageImageImage Image
LIVE LIFE A QUARTER OF A MILE AT A TIME!

1976 Speke FHC Beauty Now with an overdrive conversion

1979 3.5 FHC(STATUS PENDING!!)

1982 2.0 DHC NOW A 4.6, BUILT NOT BROUGHT !!!!

Posted: 02 Sep 2014 11:11
by DNK
There is an uprated unit from Summit racing that fits with just a tad bit, and I mean a tad bit, of opening up one of the mounting holes on the fire wall

Don
Stick a Wedge In It
80 TR7 V8 Kick in the pants
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Posted: 02 Sep 2014 11:24
by Workshop Help
Thank you, Don. Which one is it?

Mildred Hargis

Posted: 02 Sep 2014 12:00
by DNK
I'll get back with that info

Don
Stick a Wedge In It
80 TR7 V8 Kick in the pants
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Posted: 03 Sep 2014 10:09
by scotty
Hi Craig.
Apart from the pipes, did you have to do much in the way of mods to make the VS parts fit?
Thanks
Scott.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Century Gothic, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Craig C</i>

PBR 15/16" Master Cylinder and servo from a VS Commodore.

Image

Craig
TR7V8 with PBR 15/16 Master Cylinder....
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">


Scotty, South Australia.
1978 TR7 2.0 LT77
1981 XJS