QuestionBrought my shadow 1 1969 6 months ago, was fine when i brought it but on the way home the front brake pressure warning light came on, i noticed a leaking front calliper and replaced it but the light is still on, theres no other leaks on the braking system, can you help???!!!
AnswerHi Christopher:
welcome to the world of Rolls Royce! Your calipers are fine. The reason your brake light comes on is the low level of nitrogen in the accumulator. If only the #1 brake warning light is on, you could just have a fault switch or faulty nitrogen reading. Or the accumulator could need rebuilding. Also if it haven't been driven very much, that is a problem. The first thing I would do is put some real miles on her. I say 1,000 to 3,000 miles around town should give the brakes a good work out. Also watch for the Emergency brake, they can stick on old cars and drag. If this has no been lubricated and used, do use them until you do so. Otherwise the can stick and burn out.
You will see a lot of strange behaviors on these cars if she hasn't driven a lot. The worst thing in the world for a Rolls Royce is to let her sit in the drive way to be admired. Put her on the road for admiration.
I bet you don't have 100,000 miles on her yet. Although she was built for 400,000 miles. I only have 70,000 on mine, but I once saw one with 280,000 and she ran great!
If you can't drive her daily, at least drive her once or twice a week. That is a real requirement for these cars. Once most importantly, put her on the road, up around 70 mph with the big dogs. That where she performs the best.
1. Don't over-fill the transmission
2. Keep the oil changed with 20/50 Castro
3. Make sure the brake fluid is only R.C.
4. Use premium fuel with an occasional 104+ octane booster added
5. Never let an regular mechanic diagnosis problems
6. Document her behavior for future diagnosis and repairs
