TE low brake fluid sensor and fits both the metal type of Lockheed
Low Brake - a vital safety device brake fluid reservoir with either the
Bob Owen from Berkshire original metal cap or the later nylon cap
Fluid Sensor suffered a brake servo failure we see on V8s. A variant of the sensor
gives early on his chrome bumper has also been produced for the cap on
the later see-through plastic replacement
MGBGTV8 and decided he
warning of would like a little more warning brake fluid reservoirs.
brake fluid if the brake fluid loss might LBFS can be used with
occur again! He was well negative or positive earth MGs
loss placed to create an electronic
The kit comes in a pack with all the
sensor as he runs an
parts and comprehensive fitting
electronics business. His kit
instructions together with a copy of a
was launched in July 2005 and
detailed note which describes an
has undergone extensive
enthusiast’s experience fitting one of the
testing with fellow V8
kits to an MGBGTV8. The sensor
enthusiasts. It is seen as a
operation is thermal. The sensor element
very useful safety measure
is a small metal cased device 5mm dia
and is easy for enthusiasts to
by 3mm which is surrounded by a larger
fit.
metal protective shroud attached to the
The need for this kit is clear -
cap. The alarm goes off within 1.5
there have been over four
minutes if fluid does not surround the
cases of total failure of servos
sensor. The delayed response makes
on MGBGTV8s which are
the unit proof against false alarms from
reported in the V8 Workshop
TE Electronics have developed an ingenious fluid displacement such as might occur
Notes series. By "total failure" we mean
device to monitor the brake fluid level on when cornering or braking hard.
a complete loss of brake fluid swallowed
classic MGs from the sixties and seventies The electronics are built onto a
by the servo so when you apply the
so you have early warning of low brake fluid hexagonal printed circuit board which
brakes your foot goes straight to the
levels that may cause brake failure. The takes the place of the push-on lid on the
floor with that immediate sensation of
TE3509 Low Brake Fluid Sensor has the standard plastic screw cap. The
horror that you have no brakes other
outward appearance of a standard cap on components are mostly surface mount
than the very limited retardation
the brake fluid reservoir, but underneath are (ultra miniature) types which fit into the
provided by a hand brake! If you have
the sensor and electronics. It is a significant void in the cap. The printed circuit board
had this type of failure, your spine stays
safety enhancement and particularly has a 0.6mm dia vent hole which
cold for ten days or more afterwards!
valuable on cars with single circuit braking communicates with the reservoir via a
Regular brake checks are essential
systems and remote servos. Over time a small slot in the sensor connector
with classic MGs from the sixties and
servo seal can age and then leak or fail assembly, simulating the original vent
seventies but as a number of models
resulting in a total brake failure as all the path. The three wires to the unit
pass the 30 or 40 year age barrier, it
brake fluid is drawn out of the system by the (chassis, +12V and Indicator) are
has to be prudent measure to have your
inlet manifold vacuum. servo and hydraulic
It’s human nature to think it pipework and hoses
cannot happen to you – but it thoroughly checked by a
skilled specialist. The
can! Low brake fluid sensor
Many members who have purchased a provides a reassuring
TE3509 LBFS have noted warnings of low confirmation of a correct
fluid levels so they could deal with the risks fluid level each time you
in good time. This is not scaremongering but start the car - both an
a real concern for owners of classic cars with audible bleep and a
ageing brake hydraulics and servos. Several confirmatory light. Then
cases of complete loss of brakes from servo should the fluid level
failures have been reported recently and drop at any stage whilst
they were spine chilling. you are underway on
It is human nature to think it cannot the road, then a flashing
happen to you, but it can - so why not get a light and a bleep come
TE3509 LBFS now? It is suitable for an on with gusto giving you
MGB, MGC, MGBGTV8, Midget and Sprite. the earliest warning that
It is easy to install and comes with clear step you should stop the car
by step instructions. as soon as possible.
The TE low brake
TE Electronics Ltd www.teelectronics.co.uk fluid sensor kit can be
0118 933 2533 or sales@teelectronics.co.uk used with 12V negative
or positive earth cars
www.mgcc.co.uk September 2007 1
connected to a small orange plastic plug so
that the cap/sensor is easily removed to
examine and top up brake fluid levels. The
unit is protected against surge voltages,
reverse connection and short circuit of the
LED indicator/bleeper or cabling. The aim is
for simple and foolproof installation and use!
www.mgcc.co.uk September 2007 2