Spongy brakes

[bluepeter]

Haven't had the chance to have a proper look yet but was out for a decent run today and twice the brake pedal needed a few short pumps to return to normal firmness, felt like system had air in it and not bled properly.

When returned to garage definite overheating/hot smell emanating from the car. Fluid levels ok and brakes were overhauled a few months ago and passed MOT with no advisories early last month. Most likely brake seized?

[GV]

Bleed and bleed again. And when you're done bleeding then bleed again. If after a few bleeds there is still no improvement with the engine running press down on the brake pedal if it sinks slowly to the floor your master cylinder will need replacing. Forget changing the seals if that is the case - for peace of mind its safer to buy a replacement cylinder IMO.

[mrzigazaga]

Hi mate..Its does sound like there is a substantial amount of air in the system..Who rebuilt/Overhauled the calipers..Where is the smell coming from front or rear?...Was there any brake in-balance at the MOT between Front L&R and Rear L&R?..Could also be a sticking piston inside the caliper....Ziga

[ElvisWedgely]

I reckon it's the master cylinder. If the calipers have been rebuilt recently and there is no fluid loss, it's probably the master cylinder seals playing up. Remedy - replace master cylinder. The smell could just be a coincidence or another fault unless you feel they are binding when freewheeling.

Tony. TCB.

[adam quantrill]

Agree with TOny but first check all bleed nipples are still done up - you need a 7/16" AF spanner typically and don't snap any off, just check for obvious looseness.

[bluepeter]

Thanks for the replies.

Will hopefully get a proper look at the weekend and will be able to tell if its just as simple as bleeding them.

Ziga- Local garage did the brakes, they had seized as car hadn't been on the road for several years, don't have a ex TVR garage here in Northern Ireland as far as I am aware though believe there is a engineering company in Ballygowan who used to do work on them years back. Smell seemed to be at the rear though car just fits in the garage and had started lashing down, hence straight home!

Brake report follows:-

[bradderztvr]

Would agree with the others, that pumping pedal to get brake is the master cylinder seals.
The hot smell from rear could be handbrake binding. Without knowledge it can be adjusted a bit close, and then as the disc warn up and swell a little, binding occurs.
Good luck mate

[Sardonicus]

The smell could also be the failing master cylinder spilling BF into the brake servo and the engine sucking into into the combustion chambers and burning it

[jon haines]

If the calipers had seized up due to being stood for a while I think its a cert that the master cylinder is on its way out with the description you have given. I had similar symptoms with mine and took a couple of weeks before I replaced master cylinder and cured it.

[bluepeter]

Never had a chance to check at the weekend given the weather and kids. Will replace the master cylinder as suggested since I know it hasn't been replaced for decades, anywhere recommended for buying one?