Binding brakes...

[4th Gen Doug]

So...
Went for my MOT today - catastrophic fail
In amongst the epic list of things to sort, the one thing that is puzzling me is my brakes are binding (both front). Also, there is no play in the brake pedal.. none at all..
I have just fitted a new master cylinder & braided lines all round as well as bleeding the system and all seemed well until I set off. Then the brake pedal became rock hard and the brakes locked on.
I don't think the calliper is sticking as all four wheels were fine & free before I set off
Has anyone had this happen to them, or know why it has done this and how to sort it?

Also, while I'm here - just a heads up to anyone going for their MOT soon, a new ruling this month says that your steering lock has to work apparently..

Anyway, thanks to anyone who can help, and thanks to Ziyaan for getting that arm to me so quick! Cheers mate!

Doug

[jozefsan]

steering lock need work only if is present in car

if anyone need i have list of new MOT add ons

btw check your vacuum lines to brake booster

[sc_001]

Did you bleed the ABS? (Quick way is to jump on the brakes a few times to activate it for as long as possible, then bleed the brakes at each wheel one more time).

More impotently did you bleed the master cylinder? Cos that's what it sounds like...

[honda-hardy]

i think sc_001 is refering to priming the master cyl before bleading the brakes through.

[4th Gen Doug]

Yep, primed the MC before fitting - as far as bleeding the ABS.. Nope, didn't know you had to do that..
I just bled as normal - attached a one-man kit to each calliper one at a time, filled the MC, and pumped the brake until fluid came out the other end...

So your saying to give the pedal a couple of pumps, then loosen the bleed nipple on a calliper before repeating on the remaining 3?

Sounds like a stupid question, but does the engine need to be running for this?

Thanks guys
Doug

[mercutio]

check and grease up the caliper sliders

[sc_001]

No need to have the engine running.

Are you 100 MILLION percent the calipers are not sticking?

Brake hard & try to lock up the wheels a few times then bleed each caliper again.

I once didn't realize my MC was shot until my brakes caught fire

[PerformanceAutoworks]

When you say you fitted a "new" brake master cylinder was it....

A) A brand new item? Genuine or "after market" part - what make?

B) Are you 100% sure it's the correct one? There are two types for the Lude, a 1 inch and a 15/16th. Both are interchangeable but the 15/16th has a shallower sleeve that the servo rod sits in so the brake pedal to servo rod needs adjustment to put some free play back into the system.

The above can also be true even if it is 100% the correct like for like master cylinder. If you have no free play at your brake pedal then the brakes will be held on...even a fraction will cause the feel of binding brakes.
You should have 5-10mm of free play at the brake pedal so from the sounds of your description you need to get up behind the brake pedal and adjust the actuator rod.

[Ted]

100 % agree ^^^^^^^^^^ thats your problem

[FrontBackSide2Side]

100 % agree ^^^^^^^^^^ thats your problem

yeah i was just about to say that too