Brown trousers moment..

Post by **4th Gen Doug** » Wed May 23, 2012 6:45 pm

Well, this interesting development made the journey home from work today a little more 'exciting'...

I went to pull up at a roundabout, put my foot gently on the brake pedal, and with a little resistance it went to the floor...

Although I was able to stop (just) it scared the bejezus out of me!

After pumping it a couple of times, I seemed to get the brake pressure back again.. until the next junction... Straight to the floor again..

I Managed to get it home in one piece and I've had a quick look. There's no obvious leakage around the lines (Where I could check), callipers & master cylinder and they've been fine up to now. No work has been carried out on them in around 6-8months (new pads).

Anyone else had this happen, or have any idea what this might be?

I don't think my trousers can take another drive in her!

Cheers
Doug

Post by **4thgenphil** » Wed May 23, 2012 6:48 pm

what you need is nsx brakes!

my bets would be a blown master cylinder

Post by **4th Gen Doug** » Wed May 23, 2012 7:46 pm

Cack! Sounds expensive...

I feel another bollocking from the missus for my ebay bill coming on..

Post by **vanzep** » Wed May 23, 2012 7:50 pm

ive got the same problem but to a lesser degree since changed over to braided lines, new calipers, discs and pads and its still there but only doesnt go right to the deck any more and the brakes do work - so phils suggestion that its a seal or something wrong on the master cylinder is a good one - its the only thing ive got to change but im going to try bleeding it again im still thinking it might be air in the system.
When did you last check the brake fluid - what does it look like - and you could always bleed them and see if it improves any - and start looking for a spare master cylinder

Post by **4th Gen Doug** » Wed May 23, 2012 7:53 pm

Yeh, I'm looking at the moment - a used one is only £25 + p&p.. not as bad as I thought.
Are braided lines a worthwhile upgrade?

Post by **Merlin** » Wed May 23, 2012 7:53 pm

That doesnt sound fun. Is there fluid in the reservoir?

4th Gen Doug wrote:Are braided lines a worthwhile upgrade?

They do feel nice

Post by **4th Gen Doug** » Wed May 23, 2012 8:06 pm

Yep, plenty of fluid.. No leaks either.

Braided hoses eh? I wonder if I could get away with blaming the knackered breaks on dodgy hoses.. Could be the perfect crime!

bristol_bb4 · Post by **bristol_bb4** » Wed May 23, 2012 8:09 pm

Defrost what phil said, had this exact same thing happen when I had an a3! Had my baby girl in the back when it happened, got it fixed and sold the car the same day!

Post by **4thgenphil** » Wed May 23, 2012 8:09 pm

Merlin wrote: Is there fluid in the reservoir?

good question, i assumed there would be or you would have mentioned that!

a good sign is to check under the master cylinder on the brake servo to see if there is any fluid there and/or paint missing directly under it! generally a good sign of a bad thing. personally get a new master cylinder, its not worth the hassle of fitting a secound hand one and it doing the same in 3 months time, one thing you shouldnt skrimp on is ur brakes IMO

bristol_bb4 · Post by **bristol_bb4** » Wed May 23, 2012 8:11 pm

Also your fluid in the reservoir may be dirty or have particles floating in it from where the seal has corroded