Classic Obsession: Rolls-Royce Corniche Restoration | Brake Pumps Made Easy

Maintaining a classic such as the Rolls-Royce Corniche requires meticulous maintenance—especially when it comes to the intricate hydraulic braking system. In this episode of Classic Obsession, Gary tackles a significant brake fluid leak, diagnosing the issue and replacing the brake pumps with brand-new Prestige Parts from IntroCar.

But will this be a simple fix, or will it uncover even bigger problems? Watch the video now!

It all started when Gary noticed a growing pool of LHM fluid forming beneath the car. After inspecting the undercarriage, he found three distinct drip points—suggesting that the fluid was coming from above and spreading as it hit the ground.

A closer look at the brake pumps revealed they were completely soaked in hydraulic fluid, hinting at either a failed seal or an issue with the pump housing. While there was a small chance a loose fitting was the culprit, the rate of leakage suggested a more significant failure.

Unlike conventional braking systems, the Rolls-Royce Corniche uses a hydraulically powered braking system driven by pumps mounted on the engine. These pumps pressurize the hydraulic fluid, which in turn powers the brake accumulators, providing consistent and powerful braking assistance.

When these pumps fail, the braking system loses pressure, leading to dangerously unreliable stopping power. Clearly, this was a repair that couldn’t wait.

Before diving into a full pump replacement, Gary decided to try a quicker, more affordable fix first—replacing the seals and connectors between the brake lines and the pump. He ordered:

• New pump housings
• Fresh O-rings
• Connector seals

Replacing these components is often enough to fix minor leaks caused by aged or compressed seals. However, after swapping them out and testing the system, it became clear that the pumps themselves were the real problem.

With the diagnosis confirmed, Gary turned to IntroCar for a fresh set of Prestige Parts brake pumps. These high-quality replacement units provide better durability and reliability compared to refurbished alternatives.

The replacement process involved:

1. Removing the intake pipes and securing access to the brake pumps
2. Using a specialized castellated wrench to unscrew the pumps from the engine block
3. Carefully extracting the old units to avoid contaminating the hydraulic system
4. Inspecting the old pump shafts for wear and damage
5. Installing the new pumps, ensuring the seals were properly seated

One of the major issues uncovered was the brake rod, which had flattened over time. This rod is crucial to the pump’s function, as it moves up and down, pressurizing the hydraulic fluid. Worn rods can lead to a significant drop in braking performance—something Gary was lucky to catch in time.

With the new brake pumps in place, Gary cleaned out years of built-up grime and corrosion from the surrounding components. A fresh application of Red Rubber Grease ensured the new seals would remain properly lubricated, reducing the risk of future leaks.

Once everything was torqued down and reconnected, it was time for the big moment—testing the system.

With the system pressurized, Gary anxiously checked for leaks. To his relief, the brake fluid stayed exactly where it should—inside the system. The new pumps operated smoothly, restoring full pressure to the accumulators and ensuring safe, responsive braking once again.

Success! This repair not only fixed the leak but also extended the lifespan of the entire braking system, providing peace of mind for future drives.

Restoring and maintaining a Rolls-Royce Corniche is all about attention to detail. While some repairs might seem daunting, breaking them down step-by-step makes them manageable.

Key Takeaways:

• Brake fluid leaks should never be ignored—they often signal more significant issues.
• Sometimes, a small fix (like replacing seals) is all that’s needed, but always be prepared for a bigger job.
• Using high-quality replacement parts (like those from IntroCar) ensures better long-term reliability.
• Specialized tools (like the castellated wrench) can make the job much easier.
• Cleaning surrounding components before reassembly helps prevent further issues down the road.

With the brake system fully restored, Gary is now one step closer to having this classic Corniche in showroom condition.

IntroCar is the leading international supplier of Rolls-Royce & Bentley parts, providing specialists and enthusiasts with expert knowledge and an unmatched range of original, aftermarket, recycled, and reconditioned components. We are proud to support Gary Mavers of the Classic Obsession YouTube channel, supplying the essential parts for his Rolls-Royce Corniche restoration projects. While Gary works on a variety of classic cars, his meticulous approach to maintaining and restoring Rolls-Royce models aligns with our commitment to keeping these iconic vehicles on the road.