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On page 597 of Palm's book, he suggests replacing the Jag brake fluid reservoir with one from a Mitsubishi due to switch reliability with the Jaguar. I did this several years ago, but now that I'm delving into my braking system I notices that the fine mesh screen has some tears in it. So I thought I'd just replace it again.
Turns out the part is no longer available from Mitsubishi (it's part MB534534).
Below is a photo of the insider of the unit.
I've consider 3D printing a piece that would block that area of the screen, but don't know what adhesive I could use to ensure I don't contaminate the brake fluid.
Should I go find something else to worry about, or look for another replacement?
What I'm running into is that people who say they have the part (and will even process the credit card purchase) then cancel the order and refund to the CC because they don't have the part. Mitusbishi Wholesale Parts and Mitsubishi Parts Now have both done this.
One place, Mitusbishi Parts Dept . com processed my order, but I never gave them a CC number ! So maybe I'll get one for free (NOT).
Searching on EBay I don't get any results for this part number.
Thanks Greg. That looks like it might be a bit tighter of a fit than the Mitsubishi unit, but where there is a will there is a way. And I just found out today the rebuilt MC will be here Tuesday, so the pressure to get back on the road is mounting
Maybe controversially, I've never had any trouble with the OEM switch. It did light up the warning light once though, and it was actually due to low fluid level. That's another story, but the switch so far has been 100% reliable. SNG Barratt has aftermarket versions for $150 that should fit, Maybe OEM switch is sensitive to water and needs regular brake fluid changes? I change the fluid regularly, and press the top of the switch for the built in test every now and again. HTH.
The problem with the OEM reservoir is beyond the sometimes problematic switch. The cap is bleed to the atmosphere, allowing moisture to enter the brake fluid, reducing the boiling point, and causing rust and contamination. The Mitsubishi reservoir has a expandable diaphram that separates the fluid from outside air. As the fluid level goes down as brake pads wear, the diaphram expands keeping air on the other side from reaching the fluid. The very late 1995 25 XJS went to a similar cap/diaphram. The fluid level switch on the Mitsubishi reservoir is also magnetic, having no contact with the float or the fluid, and not relying on contacts in the cap that can corrode.
Jon
What I'm running into is that people who say they have the part (and will even process the credit card purchase) then cancel the order and refund to the CC because they don't have the part. Mitusbishi Wholesale Parts and Mitsubishi Parts Now have both done this.
Over the last several years this has become an ever worsening problem. I order tons of parts and have discovered that many sellers are perfectly willing to list items for sale when, in fact, they do not have them and have no idea when they will have them...if ever.
In some cases the vendor responds quickly and appropriately. In other cases they'll string you along with excuses and false promises.
I now have to call ahead to verify stock-on-hand. No big deal, really, but it obviously totally negates the convenience of internet shopping.
Should I go find something else to worry about, or look for another replacement?
Since you asked.......
I understand that the Mitsu reservoir is a better design but sometimes these upgrades become too much of an aggravation for too little real world benefit. As the saying goes, the juice ain't worth the squeeze.
But that's just me. I know that I'm rather nonchalant compared to many others.
To the immediate issue of the screen:
I think the screen is a nicety, not an essential. I'd toss it over the hedge and, as you mention, worry about other things.
Brake system maintenance is 95% flushing the brake fluid every 2 or 3 years.....which everyone here already does.
Was the reservoir on the car when the screen gave up? Where are the bits of screen? You might consider pressure bleeding and a thorough flush to make sure there no FOD in the system.
Update to Palm book, brake fluid reservoir
! So maybe I'll get one for free (NOT).
