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#1 Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2020 11:12 pm
by SESH
HI all,
Can you tell me how long it will take to replace a series 3 brake servo.
Any potential problems during the process
Thanks
Mike.

#2 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 3:29 am
by 42south
to remove the old servo needs, about 1.5hrs. drain brake fluid, remove reservoir for better access, remove the vacuum reservoir for better access, disconnect pipes, undo 3 nuts in footwell, probably take off front splash guard to give better access. It takes quite a bit of fiddling to work out the orientation to remove the servo past the pipework.
Installing probably about the same time to get it installed and hooked up. Then there is bleeding the system. I went for a total system bleed just to be sure, using a suction bleeder. This job is probably another 1.5hrs on its own.
cheers

#3 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 3:50 pm
by SESH
Thanks Mark.
Probably going to leave it to a professional.
So about 4.5 hours all in?
Thanks
Mike.

#4 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:15 pm
by MLBS3V12
Because you are going to change nearly all the brake fluid, Ask your guy to use silicon brake fluid. No more moisture in the circuit and no danger for your painting.

#5 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2020 3:42 am
by 42south
If they are just putting in a new servo, not reconditioning the old one then someone who knows what they are doing should make those times. however that's just an estimate from me, I'm not a mechanic. I'd be interested to hear what your garage thinks.
Changing to silicone fluid is another whole exercise. don't quote me but I think you have to get all the non silicone fluid out of the system before using it. This would be quite involved if true. Best to do some research before going down that route, as to the benefits vs the costs.
cheers

#6 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:15 am
by lowact
I tried to get mine done professionally, by ABS (national brake engineers in Oz). They dredged up a retired old ex employee especially. He started very keen and excited but cooled off when he learned what was involved in removing the servo, and bleeding the inboard rear brakes, etc. In the end he walked off and I had to collect my car, repair it myself. Took a lot longer than 4.5 hrs. I found it was cheaper to renew rather than refurbish (corroded cylinders). The servo has mounting studs front and back, on e-types the front studs are not used. New servo (from SNGB) the front mounting studs are longer, makes installation impossible. If you cut a couple of cm off them it is easy.

#7 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 1:32 pm
by Bob.
Interesting, I fitted a new "Lockheed" servo from SNGB last year and had no problem with the length of the front studs fouling during fitting - just the usual jizsaw puzzle of threading it through the framework. I found it easiest to remove the heater for access. No need to drain the system just siphon enough coolant out to lower the water level enough.

Image

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#8 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 5:07 pm
by 1954Etype
I wouldn’t recommend changing to silicone at this point. People have had problems with seals swelling. We only use silicone on our restorations as everything has been replaced or rebuilt. Swapping out the servo is no big deal, bleeding the brakes could be.

#9 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 11:01 pm
by SESH
Thanks for all comments.
Presume you mean bleeding the brakes could be a problem because of the rear bleed nipples being hard to get to?
Just waiting for my mechanic to give me a price.
Will definitely go with DOT 4.
Mike

#10 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2020 3:57 am
by MarkRado
Getting all the air out of the system is the challenge.

#11 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 9:48 pm
by 42south
Honestly guys, on the S3 bleeding the brakes is not a big deal, due to the rear access panels. I don’t think these are present on the S1 or 2

Just use one of these.

https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j ... 6ArUxf0yHr

Hope the long URL works, if not just google Snap on suction brake bleeder. There is a nice video with all the info you need.
Harbour freight make one as well, which may be cheaper.
I give this tool 10/10 , I’ve done my brakes several times, including master cylinder and servo replacement, with no issues, so simple.
The biggest advantage is that it’s a one man operation, no more enticing her indoors to push the brake pedal while you try to synchronise opening and closing of the bleed nipples. As in the video, apply clear tube, open nipple, and allow fluid to suck through till no more bubbles visible, easy right.
One tip, take out each nipple in turn and apply a little thread tape. This will stop any outside air getting in past the thread while the nipple is loosened, which will be confusing.
Second tip, do keep an eye on the reservoir levels regularly, be a shame to empty one and suck more air in.
Last tip, it’s so easy, go around twice just to be sure, making sure to start from the furtherest nipple from the MC, and work forward.
Cheers

#12 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 11:26 pm
by abowie
MarkRado wrote:
Fri Apr 24, 2020 3:57 am
Getting all the air out of the system is the challenge.
This makes it easy.

http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/t ... ringe.html

#13 Re: Series 3 Brake Servo Replacement⅚

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 4:38 am
by DavidJones
Hi,
I reconditioned my own servo and master cylinder but after had sticking brakes when hot in Aus warm days, tried all the on line remedies in the end found by improving the under hood sealing (added seal to lower lip of scoop and lengthened heat shields on exhaust manifolds) has so far made the difference. One thing I did do that I'm sure made the issue was I sealed off the 'nostril' vent above LF wheel with interior air vent flap, which have directed airflow to servo when open. Just need to get our Australian warm weather to test again.

One piece of advice, don't use DOT5 or synthetic brake fluid unless you have a virgin brake system to begin with.