Hi guys,

I'm new to the site but hoping that you might able to help with a strange problem I have:

I have a 2001 Fabia 1.9tdi which for 99% of the time is fine however, every now and then the brakes fail - I cannot explain for definite what exactly happens as I'm too busy sh*tting myself looking for areas other than brickwork to direct the car at to note the finer details but the pedal seems to almost hit the floor but fails to slow the car down.

I have seen on other forums that the vacuum hose between the servo and the vac sometimes fails and I've had the hose off but can't seem to see any splits.

Do you think the servo is up the shoot and if so, where would be the best place to buy a replacement?

Thanks in advance!

Get this to a garage ASAP. If it's intermittent it will need loads of diagnostics to track the fault down.

A few things you can try. Engine OFF, pump brake pedal to deplete servo vacuum, pedal should go rock hard, and not budge, no matter how hard you press it. Hold pedal like this, and start engine, pedal should sink about 3 inches, and creep slowly towards to the floor (diesel creep) but stop short of the floor. If all that is OK, so is the Servo and Vacuum pump for servo.

When was the brake fluid last changed? If it's old fluid, it will contain a fair bit of water, and you may be getting fluid boiling. A decent garage can check the state of the brake fluid. If brake fluid boils you get ZERO braking ability.

After that, they need to check all flexi pipes for bulges under brake load, master cylinder seals, calipers.

I have the same problem on my 1.4 16v 2001. Most of the time works fine but sometimes, especially towards the end at braking, there is a loss of braking power and a funny feeling through the pedal. A quick pump on the brakes and goes back to normal. Had it checked several times and and they cannot find a fault.

I have the same problem on my 1.4 16v 2001. Most of the time works fine but sometimes, especially towards the end at braking, there is a loss of braking power and a funny feeling through the pedal. A quick pump on the brakes and goes back to normal. Had it checked several times and and they cannot find a fault.

Do what is in the above post....if that is ok then you most likly have some air stil in the system which needs bleeding using a pressure system like a gunsons easy bleed!