Brake fun....

[cdp67]

On the way to Gatwick airport last week - late for flight. Boss on the phone. Driving at slightly over 70mph (honest officer that's what the speedo said). Gatwick exit approaching rapidly and the need to slow down is getting very close but the brake pedal hits the floor with no effect! Whoops. Engine braking and rapid pumping off the brake pedal brings me to a halt and gets me into the car park where car is left for a few days to settle down.

Arrive back three days later and brakes are now fine again!

Two questions:

Should I be very worried about this, any clues what may have happened?

Was I wrong to find it funny?

[jmorgan]

Funny if you survive and live and no one hurt.
Check it asap. Air in the lines or dodgy old fluid? How are the brake pipes?

[cdp67]

Brakes are a bit spongy. No apparent leaks. I haven't had the chance to get under it and have a good look, so am being very careful with things like stopping distances and using v.v. sparingly until next week when it is booked in for servicing and list of other things to be sorted - exhaust, suspension bushes, leaky diff.....

[shpub]

Could be knacked master cylinder or brake calliper seals. Can introduce air without a fluid leak. Replacement or new seals usual cure.

[taz turbo]

Sound like the master cylinder to me , without doubt change it.

[cdp67]

Thanks. I will have a look at it at the weekend. May be able to save myself some cash for other things that need doing if it I have a go myself.

[rev-erend]

Mine did exactly the same - the first time you think
- did I imagine it and after that you accept something
is wrong.

It was the master cylinder - about £20 for seal kit or £100 for a new one. I went for a new one - supplied
and fitted by Peninsular.

Fix it quick - it's too scary not too !!

[shpub]

Can be worth bleeding the rear brakes first. If there is air and the feel is restored, you know where the problem lies and it might be worth changing the rear brake seals as well. If the problem is with the front then it is worth looking at the front callipers as well.