Master cylinders - clevis pin installation

[rogerotto66s]

About to install the clevis pins for the master cylinders.
Quite tight working under the dash as you know.
Is there a preferred orientation?
a) Install the clevis pin from the outside and apply the clip on the inside
b) install the clevis pin from the inside and apply the clip on the outside.

I will be using R-clips.

[Catmint]

Can't say I have thought about orientation, which ever way I can get my hands in, but with reagrd to the R clips, make sure they are small enough that they do not bottom out before the pushrod fully returns in both directions as the pin rotates, it can either loosen the clip or not allow the piston to return fully. Took me ages to find the reason for an itermittent slipping clutch, turned out the R clip stopped the pushrod returning fully when the pin just happened to rotate to a certain position I have gone back to short split pins now

[Dean]

I think alot of people fit an R clip now, so much easier to get in with a pair of needle nose pilers , one thing i did, was to put a small zip tie throught the big loop on the R clip, makes it so much easier when the time come to remove it again,just pull the zip tie, but like what was said above, check it does not foul on anything.

[1071bob]

I've used some old 5/16"NAS bolts and kaynuts on my build, the nuts tighten up to the shanked bolts and leave about 1mm of end float for the bolts.
100% reliable and very easy to tighten up the nuts with a ratchet spanner. The nuts have to be fitted inboard. I made a special tool to fit the bolts through the clevis's.

[AndyPen]

Everything you do seems to be an improvement on the original design Bob

I fit mine inwards and use a draper 90 degree spike to pull the R clip out with.

Talking of special tools, I would never bother doing job without one of these now - what a difference they make!


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI ... XQY8JRgtSo

[Maddog]

I'm too stingy to buy the special tool for inserting the clevis pins... I just use an old fork with one tine bent up. Works fine for me - and the missus hasn't missed the fork yet.

[jayare]

Talking of special tools, I would never bother doing job without one of these now - what a difference they make!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI ... XQY8JRgtSo

Agreed - it's one of those tools that just makes a pain in the **** job simple!

JR

[mk1]

R clips are a superb solution until they get pushed out & the pin rattles clear.

Losing a connection between the pedal & the master cylinder is not a fun experience. I cannot understand why anyone would risk total brake failure because it is a bit easier putting an R clip in than faffing around with a split pin for 2 minutes.

OK, It's not "easy" but as you hurtle towards the back of a truck with nothing to stop you but the handbrake, knowing you saved a couple of minutes fitting the master cylinders will probably not be that much consolation to you or for that matter your loved ones!

Fitting an R clip here is one of the DUMBEST things you can do on a Mini!

IT IS SIMPLY NOT WORTH THE RISK!

[rogerotto66s]

I was able to insert regular cotter pins so no R-clips with be used!
Still need to bend the pins more around the clevis pin.

[IAIN]

I agree with not using R clips. It just seems like a good idea but not worth the risk.

When I fit the clevis pins I have no special tools just a small thin piece of florists wire apx 6" long. I wind the wire round the clevis pin so its at right angles held at the end of the wire. Line up the clevis pin with the master cylinder and hold the pedal so the holes line up and the pin enters the hole. With a screw driver against the clevis pin head push it in then pull the wire to unwind it push the pin right home with the screwdriver.

Pointed nose pliers to fit the split pin and another long thin screwdriver to open the split pin, finish with the pliers.

Oh.. and take the seat out.

[diz]

I think it's also worth noting that not all clevis pins are equal. I bought some that were as hard as nails and almost impossible to bend, so worth having a few spares of different manufacture to test before fitting.

[AndyPen]

I think it's also worth noting that not all clevis pins are equal. I bought some that were as hard as nails and almost impossible to bend, so worth having a few spares of different manufacture to test before fitting.

Do you mean the split pins Diz?

I am using aircraft R clips and a washer, but will probably go back to split pins as they too are an absolute s*d to get out

[GraemeC]

I’m with Mark. Just don’t over bend the split pin once in, there’s no need to bend both legs right back and wrap them round the clevis pin.
Make the split pin the ‘right’ length then bend just one leg by about 45-60 degrees. That way, with good grips, they will pull back out with having to try and straighten them first.
I find bending the leg when installing harder than removing them!

[Andrew1967]

I've used R clips for years with no problems - maybe I'm lucky

They are small ones though and without looking to check, I'm not sure they would come out as they don't extend beyond the pushrod.

Fitting the split pins isn't too much of a problem, its getting the bastards out that makes you want to seek alternatives.

Reading this thread though, I'll probably go with split pins for HOY once the hydraulics are bled and tested.

Just read Graemes post and yes, split pins like that seems a good idea. Pity the factory didnt do that

[diz]

Do you mean the split pins Diz?

Oops! - yes split pins - or for some reason cotter pins in the US

[winabbey]

I have heard from more than one person that R clips can become dislodged with dramatic results so I have used the original split/cotter pins. Those who use R clips and have not had in issue may also say they have never been in an accident so they don't wear a seat belt. I'd rather take the option of least risk.

If you can manage to divert the attention of the custodian of the kitchen cutlery drawer for a few minutes a suitable tool to hold the clevis pin can be sourced from there.

Clevis Pin Fork.JPG

[850man]

Fitting an R clip here is one of the DUMBEST things you can do on a Mini!

IT IS SIMPLY NOT WORTH THE RISK!

Leyland Australia would disagree. All of our Leyland Minis were fitted with an appropriately sized R clip and they never come out.

I would suggest the Split pins tied in knots, old rusty nails, 5/16 bolts & nyloc nuts, tie wire, piano wire, copper wire etc, all of which I have had to remove from cars should not be used.

[MiNiKiN]

Leyland Australia would disagree. All of our Leyland Minis were fitted with an appropriately sized R clip and they never come out.

That is because in Australia you don't have curves and declines - no need to brake on endless empty straights*

*stereotypical impression of an Austrian of unknown Australia

[green1071]

Old school way of getting pin in.

1. I tie a piece of heavy duty thread through pin hole.

2. Tie a cotter pin or small nail to other end.

3. Align rod and peddle hole

4. Loop thread through hole.

5. Pull thread to pull pin into hole.

6. Cut thread insert cotter pin.

[timmy201]

My car had an R clip installed before I took ownership. One day the clutch stopped working properly so I pulled out the slave and it all looked fine.

I went to remove the clevis pin from the clutch pedal and it was gone and the R clip was sitting under the carpet. I’m lucky it was the clutch and not the brakes