Brake problems!

[Jammz_R]

Hi I have a problem with my brakes and it's starting to annoy me now The symptons are that the pedal sinks to the floor when you apply the brakes and the car only starts to pull up when the pedal reaches the floor! You really have to stand on them to get it to stop.

I think I have tracked the problem down to the servo as there is fluid leaking out the back of it, coating the shaft and filling up the rubber bung that goes between the servo and bulkhead.

I have replaced the front pads, fitted new Goodridge braided brake hoses and checked for any leaks anywhere and also the metal pipes seem fine.

So do I need a new servo, or master cylinder, or both???

The car is a 1978 HC Viva, with lockheed master cylinder and calipers and a Magnum back axle with lockheed wheel cylinders.

Any help or suggestions gratefully received

[xwv2300]

Hi that will be a leaking master cylinder, the servo holds no fluid but ofcourse the brake rod runs though it to the pedal, i`m pretty sure you can buy a repair kit for the master cylinder which will have all the new rubber seals in it which should be all youll need unless there excess wear on the cyinder itself then a new unit is the only way to go, i`m sure adrian stocks most if not all these parts through the club.

[shamm]

Be aware that fluid in the servo can rot the seals so clean everything as well as you can before re-assembly.

[Addy]

I have magnum running gear on my viva hc and when i brake the car pulls to one side is this as simple as new pads or have the disks warped or something??

Thanks

[droopsnoot]

Could be a seized caliper in the side that doesn't pull up, or contamination on the disc, or a problem with the brake pipe for that side on the front. I doubt it would be warped discs - that usually appears as a vibration under braking rather than pulling to one side.

[Addy]

ok thanks for that, spoke to adrian today and he confirmed along the those lines, thanks for the info.

[Jammz_R]

Cheers for the advice, I have checked the price of a new master cylinder from Adrian and £45 seems reasonable, probably easier than trying to rebuild the one I have currently, I never seem to have much success with brakes

[griffonmark]

When you fit the master cylinder change all the brake fluid while your at it to get rid of the *Bleep*. Its well worth it. I bought one of those new fangled eezibleed kits and it was the best money I ever spent. You bleed the brakes perfectly in no time at all without having to have your nagging wife pumping the pedal. It uses pressure off the spare wheel and costs under £20.