Mk 1 Cooper S rear brakes

[Allen Brzeczek]

Recently returned car to the road, but have had problems with braking in particular the rear wheels locking - as I recall had similar when last on the road but now I am much older and less brave.

Thanks to various post regards the pressure regulator I discovered that the spring and piston has been removed, also I have 3/4" cylinders & 1-1/4" wide shoes.

Returning to what I believe to be standard I have manage to locate the correct lockheed spring and SSB802 repair kit for the valve, also I have new 5/8" cylinders as original. Can anybody please advise, subject to any wear on the drums and need for replacements can I fit 1-1/2" on my existing back plate or is their a specific one for to accommodate this this - I doubt that my existing are the originals.

[Exminiman]

Thought all minis had 1.25” rear shoes, might be wrong……
http://www.minispares.com/product/Class ... |Back%20to,

In the end rear brakes really just help keep the back straight, fronts do most of the braking.

Any drums are likely to be worn for 1.25” shoes……..

[AndyPen]

Sounds like you have it covered. The bore size is an issue I came across when our 970 SDL was repaired once. Sliding sideways in an emergency stop was a little hair raising. When asked they were happy to fit a pair of NOS 5/8 for me - what a difference

[Allen Brzeczek]

Thank you for your help, rebuilt valve, fitted the 5/8" wheel cylinders, stuck with the 1-1/4" shoes - brakes best as ever been, now no fuss and pulls up in a straight line even at speed with heavy braking. At last brakes I have the confidence to let my sons borrow the mini for their family outings and enjoy it as I do, now in their 40's were just 1 and 3 years when we aquired "Mr Red"

[1071 S]

................., stuck with the 1-1/4" shoes - brakes best as ever been, .................

Yes. all Minis use 1 1/4 shoes at the rear. If you try the 1 1/2" versions (i.e. front shoes) you'll find there's a little indent on the backplate that will tilt the wider shoes slightly so that only the inner edge/corner of the shoe actually contacts the drum.

Result?? no rear braking at all.....

Cheers, Ian