another job to do!

[puddlesurfer]

My brake warning light came on today briefly and the brakes didn't work very well (just after start up) Fluid level is fine, handbrake was off, front discs and pads are new (no idea about rear haven't checked them yet) - light went out and brakes worked after a few moments, but if i pumped the pedal the it came back on again
I'm thinking servo/vacuum issue - but would that make the light come on? What else could it be if it's not the hose? I'm not checking the hose tonight 'cos it's pi$$ing with rain and I haven't got any hose to replace it with anyway!

[TonyN]

- but would that make the light come on?

Yup, the light is also hooked up to the vacuum tank by the servo. Its usually the vanes in the vacuum pump worn if the hose is ok.

[puddlesurfer]

Yup, the light is also hooked up to the vacuum tank by the servo. Its usually the vanes in the vacuum pump worn if the hose is ok.

4mm i/d vacuum hose? I guess if the vanes are gone it's new master cylinder?

Stormy - how much for a master cylinder?

[TonyN]

noo, there's a fat hose going from the alternator on a 2.4 (its part of the alt) or just the vacuum pump on 3.0) to the tank, then to the servo, the vanes are in the vacuum pump.

They could be junked up with rubbish oil and sticky, or seized.

Or the servo or tank could be leaking, or the sensor duff..

[puddlesurfer]

noo, there's a fat hose going from the alternator on a 2.4 (its part of the alt) or just the vacuum pump on 3.0) to the tank, then to the servo, the vanes are in the vacuum pump.

They could be junked up with rubbish oil and sticky, or seized.

Or the servo or tank could be leaking, or the sensor duff..

oooh I hope I don't need to get a new alternator, they're expensive! I'll check the pipe tomorrow, the tank is not leaking i checked earlier. Thanks Tony

[NiftyNev]

Jump in the vehicle, pump brake pedal several times to deplete vacuum, then with foot still on brake start the engine. If you feel the pedal drop slightly the vacuum system is working.

Pumping the brake pedal while standing and idleing, will cause the light to come on after a few pumps because the vacuum system can't keep up with the demand.

Nev