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teshu

New Member

• Apr 7, 2008

• #1

My 300tdi has just today developed a problem with it's brakes.

The warning light came on and then a little later my brakes went really soft, pedal goes to the floor (or feels like it). I can still stop but wouldn't like to do so in a hurry.

I've checked the brake fluid resevoir and that had gone below the minimum and on the drivers side at the rear it appears that the brake line/hose is leaking. Fluid is dripping from the middle of the line although it's in a partialy obscured section of line.

Is it likely that this'll just need replacing or could it be a bit more than that?

Cheers folks

 

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slob

Well-Known Member

• Apr 7, 2008

• #2

yer gonna have to stop that leak and then give all of yer brakes a good seeing too. and thats before yer think about driving it again

 

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teshu

New Member

• Apr 7, 2008

• #3

I thought that'd be the case, driving round with iffy brakes wasn't fun even for the 30 mins I had to do it just to get home.

Take it all the system will need bleeding off the line replacing and then refilling?

 

iannotts

New Member

• Apr 7, 2008

• #4

ya lucky its a rear one,
Is the master cyl empty. If so you will have to bleed the whole system (front ones are a bastard)

Btw way cheapest way to get the pipe is put a clamp on the nearest flexi hose, take the pipe off and take it to a motor factors and ask them to make you one. most do it wilst you wait.

 

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teshu

New Member

• Apr 7, 2008

• #5

My master cylinder still had some fluid in but it had dropped below the min level. I passed a shop that sold brake fluid and topped it up on the way home, thought it'd be better to have some fluid in rather than to run out completly.

Problem I have is taking it anywhere to get it done, my local garage is just round the corner and it's booked in there for thursday unless I can sort it before then. really need the car for the weekend.

Would paddocks or craddocks sell the hose?
Cos I don't know of a motor factors near me.

 

battenberg

Well-Known Member

• Apr 7, 2008

• #6

would suggest getting someone to stomp on the brakes first while you get underneath and try to locate the leak. you may just need to tighten one of the joints...

 

RAZ8550TDI

New Member

• Apr 8, 2008

• #7

just be safe and check all your lines while your there, one has gone and they are all subject to the same wear and tear and conditions so check it all and when you replace the one in questions just bleed the lot anyway!

 

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teshu

New Member

• Apr 8, 2008

• #8

Thanks for the advice,
The leak was quite clear so I know where it's from. Pretty sure it's just the line thats gone and not summthing more serious. Looks like I'll be pedaling to work tommorow though