Classic Brake problem ?

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frog hopper

Well-Known Member
Posts
4,695
Location
france
Hi all, I may have a problem developing with the brakes on Buttercup, (1988 2.4 VM)
The other day approching a junction I applied the brakes briefly some distance away to knock some of the speed off, nearer the junction - say 150 yards @ 20/25 mph - I touched the brakes again to come down to about 10mph about 20 yards from the line. Finally touched the brakes to roll to a stop on the line, but, this time I had to quickly increase pressure as braking seemed less efficient.
Back into open country, I tried the brakes and all seemed good, then the third time I braked more pedal was needed.
Is this a case of the servo being on the way out?? Any other possibilities?? I'll admit I haven't checked the fluid since, but did check it over about 10 days ago. (30 miles since)
 
I had something similar on SWMBO's D1 when she (briefly) went back to work after LD1 - the pads had glazed - given the low cost, I just put new ones in, and abraded the disc surfaces gently with some 120 grit ( I.E. just lightly cleaned them up ) - I thinks it's still alright, but of course, now we're in LD2, and she's orft work AGAIN (!), then ....:rolleyes::D
 
I'd expect the pedal to get firm if it was a vacuum problem. As above pedal sinking when starting rules out servo, also check for pedal sinking by holding it firm whilst already running
 
Finally got round to a brake check this morning - which just shows how little I am getting out of the house now .
Checked fluid level, all as should be. Started buttercup and took her for a little run to warm up, just taking things gently, it's a bank holiday over here so even less traffic than normal.
Back home, engine running, firm pressure on brake pedal and the pedal sinks just a couple of mm in a minute.
Turn motor off, give it a minute then pump pedal 3 or 4 times and hold down hard, start engine, no movement on pedal other than sinking a couple of mm in a minute.
Turn motor off and repeat, no difference.
I haven't yet had a look under the bonnet at hoses, but am hoping I'll find a faulty hose, other than that will it be a replacement servo??
Have I ruled out the vacuum pump??
 
Servo or Vacuum pump or naff vac hose...as the pedal should sink an inch or so almost instantly once the engine and vac pump start.

Are the VM Vacs run off the cam? it may pay to check the vac pump cam follower and cam if this is the case.
 
First of all many thanks to all for the replies.
Braved the near sub-arctic weather this morning, had a look at the hoses from the vacuum pump to servo, the end of the small hose that comes off the main line (to power a heater valve?) was split on the connection. Hand in pocket, penknife out,trim end, re-fit, close bonnet. Test down the road, and the brakes are better than I remember them. So job done.
I wish all problems were this easy to solve, after all the (limited) thought and worry, 5 minutes and that's job done. Happy bunny.:):):):):)
 
I’ve only they were all that easy a
I know, I'm more used to the "I'll just do that little job before the weekend," which of course means drilling out a stud, only to find that the thing that connects it to the whatducallit, is now too short, and before you know it you order a huge parcel of bits.
 
First of all many thanks to all for the replies.
Braved the near sub-arctic weather this morning, had a look at the hoses from the vacuum pump to servo, the end of the small hose that comes off the main line (to power a heater valve?) was split on the connection. Hand in pocket, penknife out,trim end, re-fit, close bonnet. Test down the road, and the brakes are better than I remember them. So job done.
I wish all problems were this easy to solve, after all the (limited) thought and worry, 5 minutes and that's job done. Happy bunny.:):):):):)

My Sprinter has a similar setup that operates the heater flaps & the turbo actuator. Various T connectors along one hose.
The end of the hose that pushes onto the heater flap control splits & as there's no vacuum the turbo won't play. Fortunately a known problem on the Sprinter forums.
Once it starts to split it's had it & shortening it doesn't last long before it splits again. Replaced with a nice bit of silicone hose.
 
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