Inefficient P3 brakes.

Post Reply
p3man451
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2016 2:14 pm

Inefficient P3 brakes.

Post by p3man451 » Sat Jul 16, 2016 10:29 am

Hi, I would be very interested to hear from any P3 owners who may have converted their braking system to hydraulic at the rear. Is it possible to use a P4 rear axle ? Any problems with ratios, or having to upgrade brake master cylinder ? Can a servo be fitted ? My export 1948 P3 has to be driven with a lot of anticipation when slowing down, despite having overhauled and adjusted both front and rear brakes. Thanks for any suggestions/ conversion comments. Alan

GOY189
Posts: 557
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 5:08 pm

Re: Inefficient P3 brakes.

Post by GOY189 » Sat Jul 16, 2016 8:18 pm

THis could be down to the expander housing not being free to float, although that often gives the effect of locking the brakes on. See http://www.rover-forum.thersr.co.uk/vie ... lit=brakes

Regards

Mike

Chris C
Posts: 106
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2012 11:59 am
Location: Brackley, Northamptonshire. UK

Re: Inefficient P3 brakes.

Post by Chris C » Sat Jul 16, 2016 9:08 pm

When I had a 1949 P3 / 75, I had no problem in locking the brakes up on an emergency stop.
It used to pull 60%+ on the Tapley Brake Test Meter, before they scrapped MOT's.

As Mike M. says, you need to make sure all the brake rods to the rear axle are adjusted correctly
and the sliding blocks are free to move.
Chris Cartmell - DVLA Liaison Officer
Rover Sport Register

1939 - Rover 14 Saloon (P2)
1975 - Rover 2200 Saloon (P6)

lakesrally

Re: Inefficient P3 brakes.

Post by lakesrally » Sun Jul 17, 2016 2:03 pm

My P3 passes the rolling road brake tests ok at the MOT station where I take it for checks and I've never felt it inadequate. It certainly needs a bit more pressure on the pedal than a modern car with a servo, particularly noticeable when you have just swapped from a modern. I wouldn't consider fitting hydraulics to the rear of the P3, it's just not worth the hassle.

p3man451
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2016 2:14 pm

Re: Inefficient P3 brakes.

Post by p3man451 » Thu Jul 21, 2016 8:33 pm

Many thanks to all contributors re my brakes - I'm heartened by the knowledge received regarding sufficient efficiency and grateful for all your help. Will get at the back brakes to check and adjust as advised. Your knowledge and time spent to give it is so appreciated. Alan

jp928
Posts: 68
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 7:44 am

Re: Inefficient P3 brakes.

Post by jp928 » Thu Aug 04, 2016 5:31 am

I found with a P2 all mechanical set up, and P3 rears, that the linings need to be given a once over with something abrasive a couple of times a year to remove glazing, or their effectiveness drops off badly.

jp Previously P2,P3,P4,P6,P6b, RR,Disco

Post Reply