Brake pedal and caliper stay on until clutch released ?

[jd1000]

Hi, was wondering if anyone has had this problem or can help narrow down what is wrong.

Basically the brake pedal stays down until either releasing the clutch or putting my toe under the pedal and moving it up. They're not fully locked but enough to stop the van moving on a slight incline. Also a bit spongy but work ok but I'm thinking its only going to get worse until sorted.

Had the van a year so the fluid is well probably over 2 years so I'll change it but don't want to do that if its another problem thats causing this, any ideas ?

Thanks for any help,

[Red Westie]

As the clutch and brake systems work completely independantly (apart from the shared resevoir) the only common factor is the pedal box (where everything pivots)
You need to get looking in this area to discover why one is effecting the other.

Martin

[jd1000]

Thanks for the reply and thats good to know the clutch can't effect the brakes as I knew they shared the same resevoir but no idea if the clutch could, cheers

I'll have a look tomorrow and give a good dose of wd40 as that makes sense, the pedal box, as I've just spent 2 months in Holland in it 24/7 and the amount of condensation on the windows constantly dripping into the well entire van, white fungus, black fungus, everything soaked, due to my little life saving lpg heater lol, yeah it was a life saver.

Maybe 2 problems at the same time ie. the brakes getting spongy sometimes to the point of hitting metal/rock bottom but when the engines off the brake pedal is very hard to press down at all.

I'll post back tomorrow and thanks again mate.

[Red Westie]

Brakes getting spongy to that degree.....sounds like they may be overheating causing vapour lock (where the brake fluid starts to boil) very dangerous indeed.
It could be just the sticking brake pedal causing this but change the brake fluid anyway.
Brake pedal feel does go hard without the engine (normally 2-3 pumps evacuates the servo of vacuum then the pedal goes rock hard) which is normal.

Martin

[andisnewsyncro]

Slight deviation from the thread but an LPG heater in a van could be exactly the opposite of a "life saver".
You either need a properly fitted and vented heater along the lines of an Eber or to use electric heating on hook up. Don't use a heater that burns gas, there's a lot more potential problems than condensation.

[Oldiebut goodie]

The fungus spores will not do your lungs much good either - hardly a life saver!

[jd1000]

Hi again, gave the 2 pedals a good dose of wd40 and thats improved it alot so looks like you were spot on.

Still happens a little but reckon it'll get better with some use. Could really do to take it apart and give it some grease but jesus christ how you get in there, cant see a thing only feel.

Anyways the mot is due in a month so I'll get the fluid changed and see what a mechanic thinks.

Thanks again.

btw the heater is an Alke minicat catalytic heater (no co emmissions apparently) for caravans and boats and yeah theres as many people who are against them as is especially on the marine forums. I'm sure if someone had got gassed they'd be taken of for sale but the fact Alke dutch website doesn't give much info has me thinking.

I leave it next to the sliding door where theres a gap about the size of a milky way bar (at floor level) and then theres the holes in the footwells and I leave the gas bottle cupboard open where there is a vent.

Long story short I wouldn't buy one as a present for someone but hey its not a bad way to go is it.

[Plasticman]

Most reasons the marie folk dont like them is that the drop out hole tends to let water in and without it any gas stays put to make a big cracker, gas is not good on boats as such
mike