Hello.. I've got a strange problem with my brakes (Skoda Octavia 1999 1.9Tdi (90bhp) Estate Manual). A few times resently when I've put my foot on the brake pedal to brake the pedal has gone almost down to the floor and I slow very slowly.. it's almost as if I have no servo, but taking my foot off the pedal and back on it's back to it's normal solid feeling...

I can't see that I'm losing any brake fluid, the level is remaining on max.. and the fluid itself was replaced about 3 months ago.. I know that the front discs are coming up to having to be replaced, but I can't see that having this intermittant problem

It's done this now about 6 times I guess.. but all within two driving times (if that makes sense).. Switch the engine off and back on and don't get the problem again for a little while..

It's done this on slowing me when coming off the motorway.. and just slowing in town.. so I don't think it's a brake fade problem..

Any thoughts..

Thank you

Dave

It's not "no servo"; if the servo stops working you'll get a very hard (and heavy) pedal, not a soft one.

This wants checking properly, but my thoughts turn to master cylinder seals.

Yeah, I'd say that - definitely need looking at, though...

It's not "no servo"; if the servo stops working you'll get a very hard (and heavy) pedal, not a soft one.

This wants checking properly, but my thoughts turn to master cylinder seals.

:iagree:

Yep.... a mate of mine had the same problem on an Audi 100 a few years ago, and I changed the master cylinder (£80) for him and it cured it :thumbup:

Thanks all..

Is it a fairly easy job to change the master cylinder.. I've done other bits of the brake system before.. but never a master cylinder..

I'd not try it unless you're comfortable with pressure-bleeding the brake system afterwards.