Sticky Brakes

mbell666 · Post by **mbell666** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:11 pm

Hi,

I've been having problems with the brakes sticking/releasing very slowly on my car. It seams that the brake pedal is very slow to return, if i move the pedal back the brakes release fine. The problem seams to be worse when the car is cold and the pedal seams a little harder. The brakes are still stopping the car very very well.

I am thinking that the problem is the vacuum pump but i am not sure how to test this with out buying a gauge (don't know how much they cost) or how much the vacuum pumps cost. Does any one have ideas how i can test the pump or approx how much the cost?

On a positive note if it is the vacuum pump it looks pretty easy to change.

jameslxdt · Post by **jameslxdt** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:58 pm

its not your vacuum pump, if you want test it though this is how you do it
with the engine switched off, pump the brake pedal about 10 times till it goes rock hard, keep the pedal depressed, start the engine, you should feel about 15 seconds later the pedal goes down and then stops, if it does then its fine, if it doesnt then you have problems but if your brakes are working the pump is working, trust me ive driven a lighter car with a buggerd pump and believe me you know its buggerd as the car just does NOT stop, it sounds like either a lazy brake caliper or lazy master cylinder
have you checked your brake fluid level, also if the fluid is rather dark then it could probably do with changing, the only way to test the brakes is to take your car to the nearest mot testing station and ask them to test the brakes for you, if this shows up ok, its most likely a master cylinder, but check that none of the brakes are binding and that the pistons move freely in the calipers as well as the slides

mbell666 · Post by **mbell666** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 1:15 pm

Thanks for your reply.

I'll try the test next time i am in the car.

I don't think its is a sticky caliper as you can feel it is both front brakes (and may be rear) sticking. I haven't checked the pistons but the slides are ok (checked them and greased them when i did the brakes). I also changed the brake fluid at the same time.

When i move the pedal up none of the brakes seam to be binding, so i am think it may be the master cylinder. Which isn't too expensive but it more work to fit

and means messing around bleeding the brakes again!

jameslxdt · Post by **jameslxdt** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 7:54 pm

most likely as you say a master cylinder, but get the car on a brake tester first, shouldnt cost that much

mbell666 · Post by **mbell666** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 1:25 pm

i did the test and the pedal does so softer once you start the engine. So it looks like master cylinder.

Anyone know how difficult they are to overall, what tools are required and what the overall kit costs?

Don't want to buy a new one if re con kit cost £10 and takes a few mins and a pair of pliers!