Lack of brakes on my Mk2! Please ehelp!

[townfieldlass]

I have a mk2 transit horsebox who up until the other day had lovely brakes. I picked up a heavy load in warm weather the other day and noticed a bit of brake fade...nothing too unusual. However, I got in my faithful friend yesterday and I have hardly any brakes at all. If you stand on the pedal as hard as you can you can stop but just and I assume this is part of the dual braking system helping me out. Has anyone had a similar problem? Where is the best place to start looking for the problem?? cheers

[rover]

Is the pedal hard or does it go almost to the floor?

Rover.

[townfieldlass]

Its really hard...I don't think I would be able to get it to the floor. Also I forgot to mention the brake fluid filly bit is as full as normal so not a brake fluid issue...

[rover]

Its either a servo problem or the servo pipe, or if its diesel its quite possibly the vac pump on the back of the alternator.

Rover.

[townfieldlass]

Thanks I'll check those first.....its a nightmare not knowing where to start first especially as my truck is a jack killer it weighs so much!!

[FredTransit]

Have looked back and as you have a DI check the easiest bits first, as rover said start with the vac pipe. It goes from the servo (under where you fill the brake fluid) to the back of the alternator. It's surprisingly easy to knock off. If that's in place (also check it for holes) it will be either the vac pump on the back of the alternator (next easiest and cheapest) or the servo (not so go good). If it is the servo you will need to go Mk3/4 as the Mk2 isn't available any more. You can get 2nd hand parts, but personally I wouldn't. If you are taking brake parts off a van of the same age, they may fail too. Remember, it's not only your life but you human and horsey passengers.

[townfieldlass]

thankyou for your advice. Ive looked and the vac hose had come adrift!! yeh all mended..thankyou all

[FredTransit]

Glad to hear it, always pays to check the cheapest thing first!