S3 brake master cylinder and servo

[garypTVRS3]

Hi folks,

Been off here a while whilst the chassis refurb was ongoing, now back on the road albeit with a list of things that still need done... the first being the master cylinder and servo... passed the MOT but not much assistance from the servo, both appear original and have served well enough for almost 30 years!

The reservoir is remote, hence I believe that's the SAAB 9000 non-ABS setup (from the alternative parts list) although I've been told that a Mk1 Ford KA non-ABS is the same... can anyone confirm this?

Any other alternatives I should consider?

I've seen others use Mk3 Fiesta however that appears to have a piggyback reservoir... I'm happy to convert to am piggyback reservoir if the modifications to do so are minor.

Thanks,

Gary

[mk1fan]

A forum search will reveal a lot of information on what people have done.

I'd use google rather than the site search engine.

[mentall]

TVR Parts have both parts (Fiesta-type). Far the best answer at the moment.

[greymrj]

Lots of info on this post but I agree, best to go for the parts listed and now stocked by TVR. You MUST mate the new servo with a new master cylinder, you cant 'pick and mix' these. There are others that will fit but they do not necessarily have the same internals or performance.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[garypTVRS3]

Thanks, excellent post BTW!

I didn't see your post when I first searched... maybe because a few years have past since...

I've just searched on the part numbers listed, the master cylinder is available but doesn't seem to come with a cap/lid which I guess is needed (unless the existing remote reservoir cap fits?), the servo isn't so readily available... I guess Mk3 Fiesta's are getting old hat these days too...

I'm wondering if I'm best just biting the bullet and buying from TVR Car Parts, not exactly cheap but what the hell I've just spent a small fortune on the chassis and suspension I may as well get the brakes sorted right...

If I go with the TVR Car Parts should I go for the direct replacements i.e. S28J 10056B and S28J 10056A or is the upgrade kit a better option, part no. TVR TPL 127?

Thanks!

Gary

[greymrj]

Given the price of other parts these days I would go for the kit. It is a direct fit and the servo and cylinder are designed to work together. £388.44 isn't a bad price these days. Brakes are not an area I care to economise on!

[garypTVRS3]

yeah, that's what I was thinking... I always get the chassis, suspension and brakes sorted, then worry about the rest... may just go for the kit. Thanks!

[greymrj]

When you get the servo, apply a coat of a very good paint over it. The underside is quite vulnerable both to wet and to the odd spot of leaked fluid and the ex works paint isnt very good. In fairness the old one has lasted c25 years but the new one can do even better! The point at which the servo bolts to the bulkhead is a good spot for water leaks so a good sealant is a must. Check the bulkhead where the servo bolts in to make sure the g.r.p. is in decent condition and strong enough, there does seem to be some variance in quality and thickness especially in the earlier cars. Emergency braking puts a hell of a lot of load on there. The same applies to where the steering column bearing fits, I had to reinforce mine there.
Check the new servo has exactly the same operating rod to attach to the pedal, if I remember correctly there can be a slight difference at the pedal clevis end that you will need to allow for.

[garypTVRS3]

Thanks for the advice, the servo hasn't been off in almost 30 years so who knows what it's like under there! I wait with bated breath!

The underside of the original servo does look bad, a good coat of Hammerite should do the trick!

Edited by garypTVRS3 on Tuesday 6th August 15:02

[phillpot]

greymrj said:

Check the bulkhead where the servo bolts in to make sure the g.r.p. is in decent condition and strong enough, there does seem to be some variance in quality and thickness especially in the earlier cars.

Servo studs go through the fibreglass and the steel pedal box.

[Maffe]

Save your self some mayor problems and massive headaches and buy the new kit from TVR-parts. I wish I done that at first, now I took the long route and ended up with higher expenses and the TVR-parts solution.
Kind of not helped that I have a LHD s3c

[garypTVRS3]

Yeah, think I'm going that way... I've messaged TVR Parts with a couple of questions, just to be sure...

[Fez887]

I changed brake master and clutch master with parts from TVR parts. Both made a major difference and using the alternative for brake master is the best option given it fits the existing bulkhead bolt locations. Some alternatives also involve re-drilling the bulkhead.

[garypTVRS3]

It was a straight swap then? Glad to hear it, I ordered the kit on Friday, should be here Tuesday. After driving in heavy rain today, I'm very keen to get it changed!

[Fez887]

Straight swap. My connection for the brake warning light needed some adjustment as the connector didn’t fit new set up, but this could have just been on mine.

[garypTVRS3]

Excellent, just what I wanted to hear! 👍