lack or brakes

[Guy88]

My mk 3 has not had very good brakes since iv had it. now it seems to need more pressure to do anything. I cant stop quickly if i needed to I have checked vaccuum lines and it had new pads on the front about 3 months ago. they hav now started to squeek

Also the handbrake is next to useless and only just holds the van. it only just made it thru the MOT

Anyone know what could be wrong as its a bit dogy at the moment

[AndyG]

First try the servo by pumping the brakes with the engine off to exaust all possible air. Now with your foot still on the brakes start the engine and see if the pedal goes down indicating that your servo is working

[Guy88]

Tried that and it seems to work

[AndyG]

Have you checked the condition of your rear shoes both sides incase the seals have gone covering the shoes with fluid

[Guy88]

can this be done without taking the wheel and drum off. Alos is it possiblt to do the back brakes without removing the halrshaft

[crazyscoot]

if you have a look at the back of the brake drums you will see if anything is damp. But to be honest as you have a problem with your brakes then you really need to start investigating more closely. whip the drums off and have a good look

[100ps_drw_hicube]

yep definately check your rear brake cylinders they went on mine couldnt work out were 1 litre of dot 4 went brakes still worked fine but when i took the drum off it was a right mess in there

[crazyscoot]

: brakes still worked fine but when i took the drum off it was a right mess in there

Bit like Chuddy's pants after a night of drifting

[100ps_drw_hicube]

[Guy88]

Do the drums come off without the half shaft coming out

Had them off befor but cant remember and the haynes has run off

[AndyG]

Yep
Make sure the handbrake is off

[Guy88]

Make sure the handbrake is off

I left it on last time and wondered why they didnt come off

what nakes it worse me mate comes over and takes it of whilst im pulling on it and i had a meeting with the floor

[rover]

Does the pedal go further down than it should? If you check the rears and there isnt much wrong your next step is the master cylinder..

Rover.

[Guy88]

Nothing wrong on the back. the pedel goes down about 1 1/2 inches befor i can feel any signes of slowing down

[rover]

You could try bleeding all the brakes first, if that dont help then it sounds like master cylinder to me

Rover.