squelching brake pedal

[peebee]

Whilst out this afternoon I noticed that when I put my foot on the brake the pedal it 'squelches' when the engine is running (sounds like I'm pumping water with the pedal). The brakes work fine. If I switch the engine off the pedal squelches for the first 4 - 5 applications of the pedal and then it goes hard.

I haven't had the car long and so I'm not sure if this is normal. I presume that I'm hearing the brake fluid being pumped but if it's a closed system I wouldn't expect to hear any noise.

It's not the brake light switch.

Any comments would be welcomed.

Peter

[Bomber Denton]

First thing's first, what is the level of brake fluid in the master cylinder (located on/in the off side inner wing?

[peebee]

The reservoir is in the wing as I recall so to check the level do I take the cap off and just look inside?

[GreenV8S]

That's the sound of a healthy brake servo.

[peebee]

That's reassuring! Checked the fluid level and it's about 1/4 inch below the neck of the reservoir.

Probably not heard the sound of the pedal before over the sound of the engine/exhaust/road noise. Noticed it today as the car was stationary and just ticking over.

Edited by peebee on Monday 19th March 20:28

[Bomber Denton]

If it's just a hissing until pedal goes hard then that is perfectly normal. Another way to check the servo is to pump the pedal until it goes hard with the engine off then with pedal depressed start the engine the pedal should sink slightly then go hard again, if it continues to 'creep' there's a problem.