Mitsubishi Delica Owners Club UK™

Oli · Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 22:28 Post subject: new Delica - no brakes!

Finally picked up my L300 Delica!

Got the grin while driving her around - but having left it for a while at the other half's parents (an hour or so) when I got back, the brakes decided they didn't want to work any more!

It felt like it was gushing out brake fluid, but I couldn't find a puddle!

Is there a general problem with cars which have been waiting around for a while that their brakes rot away?

Secondly - where do I find the brake fluid container? I know I'm being lazy, I'll have a proper look for it tomorrow, but I thought I'd ask!

Lastly, what are the big differences between the L300 and L400 as far as parts are concerned (except obviously the engine being bigger, the vehicle being a different shape and just being newer)?

thanks

Oli
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THE KICK INSIDE · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1592 Location: Staffordshire

don't have a300 so Can't comment on fluid bottle placement...

L300 and L400 are absolutley differnt beasts there will be VERY few common parts...

perhpas if you describe how the brakes failed and wheat they feel like etc people wil be able to offer better educated guesses!
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Oli · Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 23:32 Post subject:

The pedal feels exactly as if the nipple is slightly loose - you press the pedal, it goes down, you feel the fluid get a little pressured, then all the pressure disappears and your left with the wooden feeling of brakes that have very little effect!

Then when you pump, exactly the same feeling, - the light is on the dash pointing to low brake fluid, but as I said, I can't find any puddles of brake fluid!

Anyway, my main question was if its common for brakes to need rebuilding soon after initial import. This car has been in the country for a year and I had somthing similar happen on my Bighirn, which was also an import and cost an arm and a leg to fix!

Hope that is a little clearer.

thanks
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Oli

While the powers that be make 4x4's unacceptable in town and illegal off road, at least they made sure Rambler Baiting is still legal! Smile

THE KICK INSIDE · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1592 Location: Staffordshire

okay...

firstly have you tried with the engine OFF...you should be a ble to pump the brakes until you get a solid pedal (well tiny bit of free movement but then brick wall....)

if you get resistance that seeps away and the pedal contiunues to sink to the floor then you either have a fluid leak OR a shot master cylinder....carles bleading techniques can shoot a master cylinder....

i think the low brake fluid warning is your biggest clues here - i think you have aleak and now you have air in the system...
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Boozy nights · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:54 Post subject:

Brake fluid container is to the right of the steering wheel, open the drivers door and you will see it there, I think? Or is that the power steering fluid? Try it anyway Laughing

If you need a hand give me a shout, only down the road. Wink

BTW, what colour is it? I'll keep me eyes open for ya, I'll be the one in the blue Largo (I know it aint a Deli but it is Japanese Wink

)
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Bizmarty · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 128 Location: Bristol

If it's not the brake fluid it sounds like the master cylinder to me! :?

PinkPig · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 12:39 Post subject:

Brake / Clutch fluid container is indeed in the far right hand side of the dashboard, just open the drivers door to access it.
Power steering fluid is beneath the access panel under the drivers seat.
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Boozy nights · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 13:05 Post subject:

Cheers PinkPig, long time since I've been in one! Doing it from memory Laughing

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chiefie · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 16:12 Post subject:

there may be a puddle on the drivers floor(under the carpet) if there isn't one on the floor, if the master cylinder is leaking.
failing that, a rear wheel cylinder leaking into the drum

hth
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Oli · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 20:37 Post subject:

Had a good look tonight. Found the brake fluid holder - thanks for your help!

The fault is a hairline crack in the flexible pipe leading to the front near side cylinder.

It took me ages to find!

Anyway - will any flexi pipe work or are the connectors a bit special?

Was hoping to call into Euro car parts tomorrow and pick one up - if I ask for a Shogun one or an L300 one, anyone know if they are the same?

thanks for your help!

Oli
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Oli

While the powers that be make 4x4's unacceptable in town and illegal off road, at least they made sure Rambler Baiting is still legal! Smile

chiefie · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 22:05 Post subject:

not sure if they are the same as the uk L300(2 wheel drive) or shogun, sorry :?
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Oli · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 22:20 Post subject:

I looked at the part numbers on Milner's offroad catalogue and worked out a load of stuff from the Shogun, L200 and L300 fit the Delica!

Got the hoses in Halfords of all places- at the same price as Milners!

I was surprised to find the engine is the same as the older L200!
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Oli

While the powers that be make 4x4's unacceptable in town and illegal off road, at least they made sure Rambler Baiting is still legal! Smile