Pic of the week 6/12/20
On Tuesday, Becky was pootling around town in the MIcra when suddenly the brake pedal couldn’t be depressed. Using her driving skills and the handbrake she was able to limp safely home. A quick bit of fault diagnosis and inspection soon revealed the problem to be the brake servo – it had rusted through on the front side, resulting in a 1cm (ish) hole (once I cleared away the flaking rust). This side is supposed to have a vacuum (from the engine), whilst the pedal side is at atmospheric pressure, thereby giving a pressure differential to allow you to push in the brake master cylinder via the foot pedal.
With the hole, the front side no longer has a vacuum, so no pressure differential, so you can’t depress the pedal. I have fashioned a temporary repair by taping over the hole (it helps that the vacuum is inside: therefore atmospheric pressure helps to keep the tape in place) – it works and have taken the car for a short test drive. But my fear is is that the tape would fall off, putting you back to square one. I have ordered (and received today) a replacement master servo from ebay for £35 (they are about £200 new) and will aim to fit it when I break up. Shouldn’t be too hard: 6 bolts, one pin and a hose connection …
My back hurts.
I think I tweaked it on Friday, and then yesterday I aggravated that tweak and yesterday and today it has hurt. With management – hot, cold, ibuprofen, yoga, goo posture – I am just about coping and it does seem to be getting better. But there are times when I feel stuck – transitioning from seated to standing, for example, often hurts – and times when my back “gives.” Will take it easy for a few days and hope it resolves itself soon.
On Saturday – Becky, Sophie and Sam went to Cornwall for the day, visiting, hence the pic of the week.