300tdi 90 Lost Braking

As a complete newbie when it comes to brake systems any help would be appreciated.

My brakes seem to all of a sudden lost all power. Pedal hits the floor and nothing - It will just about bring me to a slow stop from 5mph.

Any advice on where to start diagnosing tomorrow.

I was in such a huff I could only just bring myself to check the reservoir wasn't empty (it was full) then I stormed back inside to the warm !

Thanks

Hi, if the reservoir is still full and there are no visible leaks underneath might be worth checking the master cylinder. What vehicle, make and model ??

Thanks, it's a 1994 300tdi 90 van back.

My missus motor was doing this, think the seals in the master cylinder were gone. I've since replaced it and it certainly seems to have stopped the brake pedal hitting the floor but I haven't had the chance to test it properly due to the car being a pile of crap and having other problems

Well it appears my night time sight is not as good as I thought (or I was clouded by Landy Anger)

Any Ideas ..............

Should still be ok with the fluid on the minimum so it depends on whether you've suddenly lost fluid or if it's been on this level for a while.

My guess would be a faulty vacuum servo ... the big round frisbee looking unit next to it!

You need to check for leaks, start with rear wheel cylinders and then work forward

First thing tomorrow I will get checking. Unfortunately, I've parked on muddy gravel so no nice pool of brake fluid for me to find but hopefully I will see something.

I would also check the break pads them selves as if they are to worn the piston from the caliper comes to far out and starts to leak break fluid out.

Also check break hoses they tend to tear and perish

Having a similar problem myself. No leaks anywhere, fluid level is fine. When you initaly press the pedal it goes almost to the stops. One pump later and it feels spot on. If I pump it up, then start it, the pedal drops very very slowly and no where near as much as in my other car. Not sure if it's servo or master cylinder...

If I were you I'd find a mechanic to check it over ! No disrespect to you mate but brakes are not for non mechanics to fix !!
Yours and others lives depend upon the braking system of your vehicle!!
It's a very simple system and very easy to diagnose ! For a mechanic!!
Please don't try to fix the braking system on any vehicle untill you are confident of its operating system and related parts !!!!!!
Master cylinder failure is common !!!!!

Well Iv never taken a car to a mechanic other than for mot's in my life. Took one once to have suspension looked at and they left wheel bolts loose which I discovered at 70 on the motorway. And I am also still alive after doing lot of work on brakes including rebuilding all 4 calipers on my current car.

I trust myself more than some spotty faced kid who had an NVQ in motor mechanics...

I had this on my 90 and turn out to be a loose wheel bearing

its all good then ! get it fixed !!!you should be able to do it easy eh !!

Yep picked up a master cylinder today. Will report if it's a fix for the OP.

sooooooooo it turns out the F/N/S caliper has been leaking and today the resi is nearly empty.

Anybody know where the cheapest place is to source calipers ?

Thanks

ANEWLANDYOWNER said:

sooooooooo it turns out the F/N/S caliper has been leaking and today the resi is nearly empty.

Anybody know where the cheapest place is to source calipers ?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Brit parts

ANEWLANDYOWNER said:

sooooooooo it turns out the F/N/S caliper has been leaking and today the resi is nearly empty.

Anybody know where the cheapest place is to source calipers ?

Thanks

Click to expand...

you can probably get seal kit for it about£10-12 http://www.island-4x4.co.uk/front-front-c-1_14_2991_3048.html

i lost all my braking and the vacuum pump had gone!