Loss of brake pressure after emergency stop

[Davidmann]

Evening all,

Just returned from a really good 1000 mile round trip to Cornwall in our 69 bay with no problems apart from the last 5 miles.

Basically, had to slam on the brakes to avoid a dodgy driver and the pedal lost pressure. After this, the van still braked but I would say it was half as efficient and pedal travel was significantly more. The brake reservoir still is at the same level as before.

Obviously, I will get under it to check out but wondered if these symptoms were pointing to something simple or really obvious?

I replaced all flexi hoses, cylinders and brake fluid last year and have bled the brakes to death. MOT tester even commented on how efficient the brakes were.

Any advice would be welcomed! Cheers, Dave.

 

[Tofufi]

Sounds like something has gone pop. I'd start by looking at all the wheels tomorrow, to see if any has a trail of brake fluid down the inside face.

 

[Davidmann]

Cheers! Would the level in the brake reservoir not have gone down?

 

[Nick-Rackham]

Check the flexi hoses. They may be ballooning!

 

[Tofufi]

Cheers! Would the level in the brake reservoir not have gone down?

Probably, but depending on the type of roads and your driving style, you might not have used them much in the last couple of miles?

It could also be an internal leak in the master cylinder.

 

[Davidmann]

cheers for all your replies,

Have been under it today and had a good around. Flexi's all good, no sign of leaks - had the pedal pumping to look for any obvious stuff. But nothing.

The brake fluid in the reservoir is at the same level. But the pedal goes practically down to the floor now, compared with before when it had a good, efficient pedal.

Any ideas where I should start first? Hubs of first to check each brake? Or am I missing something obvious?

Cheers, Dave

 

[privatejobs]

master cylinder is fooked get a new one not new rubbers

 

[Davidmann]

cheers, thought that was gonna be the likely culprit. Can a RHD master cylinder of the same year fit in a LHD van? It's a LHD '69 bay and i can get hold of a RHD one tomorrow, but not LHD until next week.

 

[privatejobs]

I have not got a Scooby do (clue) :lol:

 

[Moseley]

One thing to confirm before changing out the master cylinder is that all brake shoes have been aligned as per the manual, as if they're too slack, it will also cause the pedal to hit the floor.

I don't know if that could be related to your emergency stop scenario, but is worth a check before shelling out cash and going through the painful process of re- bleeding all brakes.

 

[Davidmann]

Thanks for replies. When i replaced the brakes I adjusted them as per haynes and then adjusted again just to be sure. Will try that tomorrow then look at the master, which I suspect it is