Brakes - or lack therof

[Bidz]

Drove to work last night, down a road with some massive speedbumps.

After getting back in the car after my shift, I noticed that I had massively reduced braking force. Now I have virtually nothing. The pedal goes all the way to the floor.

Could I have damaged a pipe? How would I go about diagnosing the problem?

Many thanks in advance

[bmcecosse]

First check the fluid level in the master cylinder......it's under the driver's feet...... If low/none you need to look under to see if there are any obvious leaks...... If nothing immediately obvious, then take the drums off and inspect the cylinders for leaks. And of course - don't use the car until you get it sorted!

[jagnut66]

Hi,
You have my sympathy. Speedhumps are a nuisance and can potentially cause damage even at what might be the perscribed speed for the area they're in. Best only tackled at a crawl.....
It's a shame we have no comebacks with these with councils.....
Good luck with your repairs.
Best wishes,
Mike.

[Bidz]

Thanks both. I'll check the fluid tomorrow and see what's occuring.

[Bidz]

So after a bit of investigation, nothing seems wildly amiss - no obviously broken brake pipes as I expected.

The MC is empty, however, and there seems to be tell-tale signs of a like on the near-side front wheel.

I'm going to buy some fluid now and bleed the brakes until I have them working, then investigate for the leak.

[bmcecosse]

Don't waste the fluid - investigate the leak first......you will need the fluid AFTER the leak is fixed. And you will need at least one cylinder - and a new set of shoes. Are they 7" or 8" ? Same cylinders - but obviously different shoes required.

[kennatt]

So after a bit of investigation, nothing seems wildly amiss - no obviously broken brake pipes as I expected.

The MC is empty, however, and there seems to be tell-tale signs of a like on the near-side front wheel.

I'm going to buy some fluid now and bleed the brakes until I have them working, then investigate for the leak.

Unless you do as suggested by bmc ,you are risking total brake failure ,maybe at a crucial time ,with a child in front of you. Fix the leak,then bleed the brakes,dont use the car untill you do.The side with the leak will have soaked the lining and the brake on that side will not be working.

[Bidz]

Right, shoes cylinders hoses and their retaining bolts all replaced. No more drippy.

I've not yet got to bleeding, had enough for one night. The pedal now pumps up, will this behave better once bled?

[jagnut66]

If you no longer have a leak and therefore an air tight system, then once flushed through / bled with fresh fluid you should end up with a nice firm pedal.
Best wishes,
Mike.