Freelander 1 Brake pedal goes solid when trying to depress?

The Freelander has started having an intermittent fault whereby when you go to push the brake pedal the pedal is solid and does not want to depress. The wife said it happened yesterday and again today. Fluid level is fine so it is not that.

It's a TD4 with 135k on the clock.

Anyone have any ideas on where to start in diagnosing the problem?

Thanks

Was there any braking at all when the pedal locked.

I have 3 thoughts.
1 pedal mechanism
2 master cylinder.
3 servo issues

Cannot think its likely to be anything further on in the braking system.

Lowbank said:

I have 3 thoughts.
1 pedal mechanism
2 master cylinder.
3 servo issues

Cannot think its likely to be anything further on in the braking system.

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The pedal mechanism is fine as the car did eventually come to a stop, but my wife was left rather shocked as she nearly went across the neighbors garden :-O

could be servo issues, might be as simple as a hose leaking.
I f you go sit in the car and press the pedal without the engine running you will find its hard. Keep your foot on the pedal whilst you start the car and you should feel the pedal go down as the servo kicks in.

Lowbank said:

could be servo issues, might be as simple as a hose leaking.
I f you go sit in the car and press the pedal without the engine running you will find its hard. Keep your foot on the pedal whilst you start the car and you should feel the pedal go down as the servo kicks in.

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I just went out and tried what you suggested. When the car is started the pedal moves down ever so slowly about 1". I then reversed the vehicle and applied the vehicle and there was virtually no stopping power. You could feel a slight braking effect, but it is definitely not a vehicle that you'd want to drive.

The pedal should go down in a couple of seconds. looking like a servo problem.
That could be a lack of vacuum via a leaking pipe or the servo is defunct, rare but can happen.

Lowbank said:

The pedal should go down in a couple of seconds. looking like a servo problem.
That could be a lack of vacuum via a leaking pipe or the servo is defunct, rare but can happen.

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Thanks for your help. You have given me a good starting point for the morning.

thats ok, that why we are here trying to help fellow hippo owners

Possibly vacuum hose split trace it back from the servo, and you may find something like this below ?

Arctic2 said:

Possibly vacuum hose split trace it back from the servo, and you may find something like this below ?

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Thanks. Just checked the hoses and one of them is split. The hose from the resevoir down to the turbo also looks very worn and about to go as well. I'll replace that one too.

Will post back on whether it fixed the issue (fingers crossed).

Thanks for your help. Replaced the hoses, one of which was split and the brake problem is solved

Glad to help, garages are so expensive today. any savings are always welcome

flanagaj said:

Thanks for your help. Replaced the hoses, one of which was split and the brake problem is solved

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Excellent news which hose was it by the way ? reference may help others in the future