Classic Obsession: Restoring Rolls-Royce Corniche - Brakes Part 1 | Rear Hub & Accumulator Rebuild

A Rolls-Royce Corniche brake rebuild is no small task—especially when it comes to the rear hub and accumulator system. In this episode of Classic Obsession, Gary Mavers continues his 1983 Rolls-Royce Corniche restoration, tackling rear brakes, testing accumulators, and tracking down hidden leaks.

Using quality Prestige Parts components, Gary continues his meticulous restoration, ensuring that his 1983 Rolls-Royce Corniche will have fully functional, safe, and responsive braking.

Unlike the front brakes, the rear system of the Corniche presents unique challenges:

• Heavy Components: The rear hub, disc, and caliper assembly is significantly heavier, making installation physically demanding.
• Limited Accessibility: Unlike earlier 1970s Corniche models, the 1983 model features an enclosed box section, restricting access to key mounting points.
• New Brake Line Fabrication: Steel brake lines were custom-made to replace deteriorated copper originals, ensuring long-term durability.

✅ Key Challenge: The enclosed box section on later models limits access, requiring extra effort to fit bolts from underneath the car.

“With the combined weight of the rear hub, disc, and caliper—it takes a stronger man than me!”

Once the hardware is installed, it’s time to test the hydraulic accumulators—a critical component of Rolls-Royce braking systems.

Darren Christian assists with pressure testing, using specialist equipment to measure accumulator function.

Test Results:

Problem Found:

• Sluggish pressure build-up—the accumulators should reach 2500 psi almost instantly, but Gary’s take too long.
• Diagnosis: The existing accumulators are failing and must be replaced.

Solution: Replacing Accumulators with New Prestige Parts

• New Front & Rear Accumulators Installed from IntroCar.
• System Bleeding Performed to remove air pockets and optimize braking performance.

✅ Key Tip: Accumulator O-rings must be carefully aligned using Red Rubber Grease to prevent leaks during installation.

“The last thing I want is to fit a new hood, headliner, and parcel shelf—then have to rip it all out again for accumulator replacement!”

During final testing, Gary discovers a hidden leak in one of the rear brake lines.

• Issue: Pinhole corrosion in a steel brake line, positioned above the main pipework.
• Fix: A new section is fabricated and installed, ensuring no further fluid loss.
• Final System Check: No leaks detected, and braking system is now fully operational.

Key Warning: A small leak can lead to major system failures over time—regular inspections are essential!

Throughout the brake restoration, Gary highlights the importance of using trusted suppliers like IntroCar:

✅ High-quality Prestige Parts ensure long-term reliability.

✅ Fast shipping prevents restoration delays.

✅ Expert support makes sourcing the correct parts easy.

“Every part I order is through IntroCar, because I know if they have it, I’ll get it next day—which is invaluable when restoring a car.”

With all parts in hand, Gary begins the painstaking process of replacing each brake component, ensuring the braking system will be fully dependable.

With new rear hubs, brake calipers, and accumulators installed, the Corniche’s braking system is finally restored.

Next up, Gary will:

✅ Test drive the Corniche to ensure brake performance.

✅ Perform a final system bleed to remove any residual air pockets.

✅ Inspect for minor adjustments before calling the system fully road-ready. 

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.