Brakes: 140: Master cylinder seals

[Triple-S]

Just thought I'd share some interesting news with you owners of early 140s with Wagner/Lockheed master cylinders.

My '68 142S was stored for years, so the rubber seals in the master cylinder were beginning to perish. As the bore was OK I looked everywhere for an overhaul kit, but no joy. I didn't find a Volvo specialist in either the UK or Europe who could get the right type - Brookhouse can do kits for later cars with 5 seals but not the early ones with 4 seals.

Through recommendation for obtaining other Volvo parts I have received a kit of what look like the correct seals, and have now re-assembled the cylinder. I got them through Past Parts, of Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, and was told they had bought several sets for stock, so don't miss this opportunity as you may not be able to get any in the future.

Their phone no is 01284 750729 and the seal numbers quoted are 2 off Wagner seals #PPL 17-7901, plus two ring seals, #XXX S7744 and XXX S7186 (bought out - source not stated). They were very courteous, helpful and understanding, and via an agent in the USA eventually got their stock, that service not being offered to Joe Public by the manufacturers. Inexpensive too, compared to about £100 for a pattern replacement cylinder.

Give me a week or so and I'll report back on whether my brakes now work! If they don't, rest assured, I won't be in next weeks obituaries as the car is far from usable yet.

Paul