Landrover Brake problem

Hi,

First ever post, here goes...

I have a problem. After changing my brake pads I ended up with this situation;

The brake pedal pumped up and then the pressure seemed to fade within about 30seconds leaving me with a limp brake pedal. It will then pump up with one or two cycles on the pedal. I seem to remember that this happened with the engine on and off but after bleeding the brakes, this only occurs with the engine on. Now, the brake pumps up and stays pumped up with the engine off.

I have followed the checks out of the Haynes manual for the vacuum servo, ie. depressing the pedal while starting the engine and there is the specified 'give'. Additionally I have checked the pump which is producing excellant suction (have to forcefully remove my thumb on putting over the end of the pipe) and the non return valve into the brake servo works fine (and does not allow back flow) although it does restrict the flow a bit.

Scratching my head, rather confused I decided to leave the suction pipe off to see what would happen and hey presto the pedal remains firm with the engine running but unfortunately I have now lost the force advantage from the servo. This does let me get back on the road but is a little dosconcerting sometimes as you really have to stomp on the pedal!

So.. it would seem to be the servo.. i think. But can anyone give any advice before I shell out £70 for a new one?

Any help will be gratefully recieved! Sorry for the essay!!

So what you find is your pedal is going limp with the engine running? This could be accredited to diesel creep. This happens when you stomp on a brake pedal then keep stomping on it, the servo will apply hugh braking force so much so that the fluid HAS to go somewhere and it will leak past the seals on the master cylinder. This is unnatural braking, if you were stopping hard you would not keep on pressing the pedal once you are stopped. You brake then thats you, you ease off, or drive off of put the handbrake on, jump out and tell the silly cow that just pulled out in front of you that shes a silly cow.

You need to connect it all up, drive it along a wide quiet road at about 40mph (makes sure there is no diesel on the road of lots of cars on either side) and stomp on your brakes like a tank has just materialised out of nowhere in front of you (really seriously brake). Wheels should lock up, screeching and if your lucky some smoke. Drive off brake normally then try another fairly hefty emergency stop.

Does the vehicle stop well? If so you are fine and what you are finding is that by sitting there braking unnaturally you have convinced yourself something is up with the brakes. If you can lock up the wheels then you sorted.

Hi discoman! Locking up the brakes would be fine if I could! With the floppy pedal being so floppy, braking effect is much reduced I'm afraid!

I know what you mean about perceptions though. Although this problem is definitely for real!

Thanks!