Hi all, I have a problem with the brakes on my Fabia Estate. The pedal is very soft an goes to the floor before it goes slightly firm. Checks made so far are as follows :- 

Brake fluid level in reservoir is ok.

No leaks found throughout.

Handbrake works ok on both rear wheels. 

All the brake pads are in good condition. 

Found that the nearside rear and the offside front calipers are not responding when the brake pedal is depressed. 

Even tried to bleed the system on the rear brake but not getting very much fluid coming through.

It all suggests a possible issue with the master cylinder but want to confirm before tackling trying to get a second hand unit and refurbish it with a repair kit.

Can anyone confirm that this is the problem and best place to get a repair kit ?

 

Cheers

So one of the dual circuits is not getting any brake pressure - tends to suggest that the master cyl is duff. 

Given the risk that the bore is scored I might be tempted to start with a different master cyl (a number 2nd hand on ebay sub £10) before fitting new seals from about £10 ... or ideally buy a new master cylinder though your reference to a repair kit suggests that was not the plan.

ECP want £52 for a new pagid (bare) master cylinder

Did you try bleeding the system with a pressure bleeder?

Did this just happen or have you messed about with any of the braking system

Sorry to here about your problems.

Bleeding the rear brakes can be improved by jacking the rear of the car under the spring hangers on the rear axel so the brake compensator valve thinks there is weight over the rear.

Typicically I put the car on stands supporting the rear jacking points and the jack up the passenger side to compress the suspension a little.

Then a combination of a gunson easibleeder and pumping the pedal usually gives good results.

The master cylinder repair kit can be obtained from Big Red.

Sorry to here about your problems.

Bleeding the rear brakes can be improved by jacking the rear of the car under the spring hangers on the rear axel so the brake compensator valve thinks there is weight over the rear.

Typicically I put the car on stands supporting the rear jacking points and the jack up the passenger side to compress the suspension a little.

Then a combination of a gunson easibleeder and pumping the pedal usually gives good results.

The master cylinder repair kit can be obtained from Big Red.

The Fabia doesn't have a brake compensator on the rear axle, at least with models with ABS it doesn't.