Car: 2001 20vT (150) estate

After leaving the car over night I have really bad brakes for around 30 seconds after starting the engine. It feels as if there is no servo assistance as they take a very heavy push and have very little travel in the pedal.

Normally this just makes reversing off the drive a little 'interesting' but it seems to be taking longer to clear.

Is this normal?

I brought the car off my dad and he said he has always had to wait for a few seconds to get full braking effect.

Thanks

Andy

Sounds like you have answered that one yourself! Check the brake servo and the vacuum hoses that supply it, you may have a slight air leak which is why it takes a few seconds for the brakes to work correctly. I have a 20vt also (180) and the brakes work perfectly as soon as the engine is started, infact if I went to it now without starting the engine I bet there is enough vacuum left in the servo for it to work.

Sounds like you have answered that one yourself! Check the brake servo and the vacuum hoses that supply it, you may have a slight air leak which is why it takes a few seconds for the brakes to work correctly. I have a 20vt also (180) and the brakes work perfectly as soon as the engine is started, infact if I went to it now without starting the engine I bet there is enough vacuum left in the servo for it to work.

Thanks for the info. I did think it wasnt quite right but has apparently been that way since day one. Never picked up at any service either. I guess there would have been enough presure in the servos at the service for if not to show up.

I will get it checked asap!

Andy

Just thinking about this.. I don't think it is an air leak as there is no air in the system and any air getting in would cause an even worse reaction in braking.. as in none at all!

Also I dont seem to be loosing any fluid so my only conclusion is that there is a valve failing.

Would a failing master cylinder cause this type of effect? Are there any one way valves that could be failing allowing some back flow and venting of presure?

Thanks

Andy

No, you are mistaking air in your brake fluid (which creates a spongy feeling and long travel on the pedal) with a vacuum (negative air pressure) that is created by the inlet manifold that powers the brake servo, all the servo is, is a more powerful way of operating the brakes, you can stop without it but you would need a very strong push. Older cars brakes were non-servo assisted.

I am not saying that there is air in your braking system, just that you may have a slight air leak from the servo, or connecting pipe that is allowing the vacuum to escape and therefore you lose your assistance. Hope this explains it better.

Ah, cool. now i get it.

The next question should then be are there any particular weak points I should check first or any way to tell where the leak is?

Thanks,

Andy