14 February 2000

Still at Mt. Isa. Didn't do much today despite yesterday's plans. Thought yesterday that brakes were starting to "drag" intermittently so decided to get them checked out this morning. Thought brake fluid may have asorbed some moisture out of the atmosphere as it can do over time (and I didn't know how long since it had been drained, flushed and replaced). Local Mazda dealer (with no prompting from me) also suspected fluid contamination so drained, flushed system and replaced with fresh brake fluid. Road-tested OK so off we went. Short time later problem returned so took ute to a brake specialist I noticed yesterday. Didn't return to Mazda dealer as I thought their checking procedures too superficial. Brake specialist removed master cylinder and in section controlling front brakes found some roughness in bore which would probably prevent piston from retracting all the way when brakes released and so not allow front pads to release fully from discs. Explanation is technically reasonable and he showed me roughness in bore (and this would also explain another couple of things I was keeping an eye on anyway) so told him to replace master cylinder. However one of the drawbacks of remote area living is you can't always just go down the street and buy the part you need. After establishing part was not available in Mt. Isa he located one in Brisbane and arranged to get it airfreighted up overnight. Providing it is correct part (there is always an element of uncertainty about this because of so many makes and models, and even variations within makes and models) and providing it arrives without being forgotten to be sent, or being misdirected or lost, we should be on the road again tomorrow.