Brakes

[jojorose]

Ive just had my van returned from local garage. It went in with spongey brakes. Chap has been all over system, tested everything and found no fault but my brakes are still awful! It was in there two days so Im presuming it had a thorough going over but I dont think Im going to pass the MOT and to be honest Im not enjoying driving it like that.

Any ideas? Beside the obvious one which is changing my garage.

Its a blue star 1991 2 litre petrol with power assisted everything.

jojo

[Ian Hulley]

Garage chap speak with fork tongue. It's not a kin Ferrari to sort out

[jojorose]

Nevertheless I have a van that is not mended and he obviously isnt up to the job.

So ideas and I love it as much as any ferrari.

[Ian Hulley]

'Spongey' brake pedal is the classic description for air in the system. Have you been topping up the brake fluid at all ? Favourite on these is a leaking rear cylinder ... cheap as chips and not a major job to replace and bleed the system of air ... taking the opportunity to replace all the brake/clutch fluid. Could also be a bulging flexy hose as well I suppose ... sweet talk Tonion into 'popping round'

Ian

[California Dreamin]

As Ian said...Air in the system although other things can contribute.

1. Poorly adjusted rear brake mechanism.
2. Bulging front/rear flexi hoses.
3. Pedal creep caused by tandom seal failure in the master cylinder.
4. New pads/shoes on worn disc's/drums.
3. Seized up front brake calipers....so you are having to press harder for normal braking.

Martin

[jojorose]

No I havent topped up my fluid I take it to the garage. I just worry about water and oil.

Im going to print this off and take it back to garage. Cant ask T'Onion my van is lowered and a bugger to work on when you have a crazy paved drive.

jo

[T'Onion]

Jo
Sorry can't help , not enough time to do stuff on me own van

Give Matt a ring ( autodolsby ) he will sort it you

I'd be checking the flex's ,the vac system and changing the fluid as a matter of course

Any good garage will / should be able to sort you out , If Matt can't fit you in give me a ring and I'll speak to a mechanic I know and know's these vans