Braking Problem

[fog66]

Hello

I don't post here often but I have a problem I could do with some advise please. Just had my car in for an exchange diff at local TVR dealer and also some Steve Heath droplinks at a local general garage. (I'm only mentioning these in case anyone thinks they are relevant) Started the car up on Sat morning let it idle for a couple of mins everything looking good. Came to the end of my street and braked for the junction only to sail over the stop line eventually stopping 2ft into the road. Came out the estate up to the first roundabout (slowly) braking was ok but the car still coasted to a stop rather than grabbed to a stop (Hope you know what I mean by this). The brake pedal travel was only about an inch and then totally solid. Tried pumping the brakes etc.. I did get the wheels to lock once when I jumped on them but only felt like the offside front.

Any advise welcome. Chimaera 4.0 1995.

[That Daddy]

Sounds like your getting no servo assistance,is the pedel the same feel when the engines running as when it switched off?

[fog66]

No the pedal does relax when you fire up. You get that Pshhh Pshhh sound when you press the pedal. It just won't press very far.

[GreenV8S]

I would have guessed servo too. The wooshing noise doesn't mean it's working, but the pedal pulling down when you start the engine is a good sign. Still, that seems the most likely explanation for the pedal going solid. That, or the master cylinder has scored and one of the pistons has jammed.

I don't think it would explain the symptoms exactly, but since they've been working in the area it wouldn't hurt to inspect the rear brake lines in case they've crushed a hose or pipe somewhere.

[fog66]

If it is the servo how can I test this and if it is FUBAR how do I rectify it? Replacement or service kit or....

[spend]

Good inspection all round for fluid leaks, and check the servo hose for leaks, would be my first once over.

Dave

[fog66]

Can the servo be accessed from the panel on the inner wing, drivers side? Can you check this to the master cyclinder from here? If it is a leak how easy is that to sort? Sorry for all the questions.

[poorpeet]

Happened to me last year just after I'd fited new brakes. Thought I'd done some thing stupid when putting it back together. All became clear when I bled the system again. No fluid from the near side caliper bleed nipple. I took off the hose & nothing from that either. It turned out that the hose had collaped internally so only half the brake effect.