Braking problem

I have a worryingproblem with my brakes and wondered if anyone can help. When i brake normally all is fine, brake pedal feels nice and spongy and vehicle halts fine. when i have to brake suddenly the brake padal feels very stiff and the car seems to brake more slowly. It doesn't seem like its a feature as i was driving yesterday along a country lane and when had to brake suddenly on a bend the car just seemed to crry on and i would have hit the oncoming car if i hadn't swerved onto a verge. Had i braked normally i'm convinced the car would have stopped quicker. I tried this theory out after and it does seem that if i brake hard and suddenly the pedal goes hrd and it doesn't feel as if the pads are biting. I have an 03 Discovery 2. any advice would be greatly appreciated

It seems to me that u have a problem with the servo assembly cos if it was something else u must have had warning lamps illuminated. First of all check the vacuum port on the servo and make sure the vacuum pump is properly working.... disconnect the vacuum pipe and check with your finger if it "suck" air... If the vacuum pump doesnt work the EGR will not work aswell(if still fitted). The servo could fail for other reasons too, it's a quite complicated part.

I am wondering if I have the same problem. I have noticed that when in busy city stop/start traffic where braking can easily become erratic and sometimes sudden there is that "oh crap" feeling as nothing happens. Frantic old style pumping fixes it until there is time to take it slow again. I've not experienced the no brakes event described by Devonjas.

I have experienced a similar brake fade and fail on my XJ6 on a very hot summers day. The problem turned out to be the seals breaking down in the master cylinder, I'm directing my attention there first. Even if I have to replace the master cylinder, it's got to be cheaper than going straight for the servo.

definately servo or vac fault,mr string yours is different fault having to pump means cotaminated fluid or more likely air getting in commonly master cylinder

Thank you so much for your replies, it turned out there was no vacuum, when we looked near the servo there was what looked like a thin tube that was disconnected. Once we re-connected this all seemed ok. And it cost nothing!! I just can't believe I've been driving around with faulty brakes for 6 mths