Hi,

I've a 2001 SDI and have noticed sometimes when I'm rolling downhill with the engine on but out of gear the brakes sometimes are *very* slow to respond:eek:. They're fine if I keep it in gear and change down.

I've tried pumping the brakes with the engine off, and then switching the car on with my foot still on the brake and I have noticed that the pedal does sink.

Could it be just a split hose somewhere that makes me lose pressure somehow?

Thanks for any suggestions

Paul

I'm guessing they're fine in gear because you've got engine braking assisting you? I'd check the brake fluid level (fluid should be changed every 2 years) as well as the condition of the pads and discs to rule out the obvious before looking for leaks.

As an aside, the car actually uses less fuel if you leave the car in gear going downhill as the wheels are turning the engine, rather than out of gear where fuel is needed to keep the engine turning over....

Chris

hi Chris,

The first time I thought I noticed it I tried it I tried emergency stopping from 30mph loads and the brakes were always fine and predictable, but I'm thinking that's because the revs were quite high to get it to 30mph in the first place (I was doing it in a small private car park). It also just passed its MOT last week too.

It's only been twice in two months now but I'm kinda concerned. I will ask the mechanic tomorrow when he's doing wishbone bushes to renew the brake fluid and look at the pads.

Paul

Hi,

I've a 2001 SDI and have noticed sometimes when I'm rolling downhill with the engine on but out of gear the brakes sometimes are *very* slow to respond:eek:. They're fine if I keep it in gear and change down.

I've tried pumping the brakes with the engine off, and then switching the car on with my foot still on the brake and I have noticed that the pedal does sink.

Could it be just a split hose somewhere that makes me lose pressure somehow?

Thanks for any suggestions

Paul

:eek::eek::eek: Freewheeling??? :eek::eek::eek: Your not driving some 25 year old 2 stroke motor you know

If the engine is only idleing then the vacuum that drives the servo will be reduced therfore reducing the brake power available to you. As Chris mentioned about the fuel there is no benefit to idleing whilst in motion.

What you have described here is right, the pedal should sink if pumped up then started. What's the issue?

Brake and shift through the gears at the same time. I find mine's much more comfortable to stop with gears engaged than when freewheeling (although it will stop damn fast if I want it to suddenly )

Brake and shift through the gears at the same time.

Tsk - didn't your Roadcraft instructor tell you to avoid BGOL? :P

Chris

Thanks guys, I guess I'll have to change my ways. I'm still convinced that freewheeling down hills is more easier on fuel than keeping it in gear, but not if you're going to having buy a new car due to impaired braking!

I'm sure that leaving the car in gear , with your foot completely off the accelerator uses the least amount of fuel , IIRC the ECU is programmed to recognise when you are completely off the gas pedal and sends almost no fuel to the engine as a result , whilst idling it will use more.

Hi guys,

I've just noticed a broken pipe/connection in my car that I reckon is related to the problems I described above. Does it look familiar to anyone? If it's any help the other grey pipe is going into the air filter and the black pipe with the word "Germany" on it is feeding into the brake vacuum pump.

Has anyone got a part number for this bit, and is there much work replacing it?

Cheers,

Paul

looks like an air hose of some sort? but then again i dont know the pd engines that well

Freewheeling surely not in full control of the car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!