Soft brakes on a 280??

[Charlie280]

Just got my first wedge and although it won't win any beauty contests it's part prep'd for sprint/hillclimbs and needs a little help to get it into shape so I can have a go myself. A few things need doing (I'll post more questions!) but the first is the brake system - it's got none! Can anyone tell me were to start, the peddle is soft(to the floor)and as the front calipers have recently been rebuilt and it has a new master cylinder I'm assuming it's the rear brakes - what do I need to do???

[jeff m]

Well there is only one bleed nipple on the rear, so that would be first.
Bleed that and see what you get in the way of pressure.

Changing the rear calipers is not a particularly pleasant job so be sure they are the problem before doing 'em.

I would give your master cylinder a second look. If it was O/H with new rubbers and then pushed all the way to the floor during bleeding that can be a problem on older cars. (corrosion in cylinder in the bit where there is normally no travel)

And obviously check the brake hoses for weeping/leaking. (difficult, I know with no pedal pressure)

Ah edit 'cos I didn't read properly, it's a new Master, ignore half my post sorry, I thought it was overhauled.

Edited by jeff m on Monday 18th August 00:20

[Charlie280]

Thanks for that Jeff I'll have a go at bleaading (no signs of leaks anywhere). Having fitted bigger brakes to a 205 MI16 conversion I did a couple of years ago and then spending the next 6 months trying to get them to work I know how sensitive brake systems can be! I just hope the master cylinder fitted was the correct size..

[Comadis]

master cylinder should be from the later cortina´s...piston has 22mm diameter.

when the pedal falls down to the floor and the front brakes had been overhauled i pressume the guy who did this "overhaulin" forgot to bleed the system (whyever).

i would start at front as you have easier access to.