Hello all! Can anybody help me?

This morning, I got in my '93 MasterAce diesel-auto 4x4 to go and pick a colleague up and every time I used the brakes, I just about managed to stop. It was as if there was no fluid and the brake light was lit on the dashboard.

I pulled over about half a mile down the road and after ringing him up to ask him to collect me, I started driving back home. The brakes were fine as if there was never a problem.

When I got back from work, I got in and carefully tried again on the driveway. For the first two-three minutes, they were very dodgy but after that they were perfect.

The fluid level is just over the max line.

Has anybody got any idea what this could be because I cannot understand it?

Many thanks

Brian

- (#11195) Brian Wharf, 28 May 04 13:31

Could it be a servo assistance problem?
Check all vac hose connections...

- (#11195) chris turner, 28 May 04 15:12

Did the brake peddle go all the way to the floor, or did the brake peddle go very hard and not want to move....

- (#11195) neil (torbay), 28 May 04 15:43

The pedal went to the floor.
- (#11195) Brian Wharf, 29 May 04 02:57

Check all pipework and all cylinders for leaks....wouldn't use it again until done..

- (#11195) chris turner, 29 May 04 06:07

Cheers Chris, I shall try that. I just found it very strange that it was only for the first two or three minutes.

- (#11195) Brian Wharf, 29 May 04 06:11

Try pumping the pedal....does it gradually get firmer..could investigate air/moisture in the system

If there is no leak of fluid try a full bleed/fluid replacement....remember to bleed the load compensator by rear axle

- (#11195) chris turner, 29 May 04 06:11

hi there, i own a townie, recently all dash lights have come on and stayed on while driving so i fitted a new altonator and battery, i still have lights on so will change starter and solanoid,problem i'm having is brakes since i had to unbolt handbrake to get to altonator. i have to push really hard on brake pedal to stop car moving, somthing i've done while messing, love to hear from anyone, thanks for taking time out

- (#11195) charlie, 29 May 04 12:19

well, first off, if youre not charging, why would you change the starter?

Either the alt you put in is a duffer or the regulator is faulty.

on the brakes, you've no vacuum by the sounds of it. Fan belt tight? Vacuum hose to front of alt connected?

- (#11195) David Miller, 29 May 04 14:05