Brakes Gone

[Don Logan]

Hello, i was driving just now and noticed that my brake pedal started going all the way down to the bottom of its limit and braking is now poor.

I checked the fluid reservoir which is still full and had a look underneath for leaks. This was by the side of the road in the dark whilst getting battered by wind and rain so i couldn't see much anyway.

I'll have a look in the morning, has anyone got any tips on where to start looking for leaks or for any cause of this?

Thanks.

[GRASSMAN]

Hi Don,

Have look over the fuel tank area and the rear chassis area
on the off side, muck builds up there over time, and the steel pipes
rust quietly away. Also, have a look at the rear brake back plates and
tyres for fluid from the wheel cylinders.

Hope this helps.

Gman.

[Don Logan]

Cheers, will do. Forgot to mention that the brake warning light's now on as well, what triggers that? Just low fluid level?

[Growler]

Cheers, will do. Forgot to mention that the brake warning light's now on as well, what triggers that? Just low fluid level?

Usually, or a sticky float

[meooo]

Or master cylinder possibly

[GRASSMAN]

Don,

Forgot this, under the rear seat, lift the carpet
and there's an inspection cover that allows you
to see the pipes on the side rail.

You don't have to drop the fuel tank to change the
pipes either.

Gman.

[RebelV8]

There's also a possibility of a seal having perished in the master cylinder, this will allow brake fluid to drain back into the brake servo, where it will fill with fluid. No leaks evident anywhere because all the fluid is in the servo, worth checking but you will need to remove the master cylinder to check it

[Don Logan]

Thanks for the replies Gents, top prize goes to Grassman as it is indeed one of the pipes above the fuel tank that's leaking. Right on the bracket holding it in place.

It's one of the pipes that goes to the load sensing valve. I take it that the whole pipe will need replacing and that it's not possible to cut and join in any way?

If not, then are these pipes generic and made for most vehicles of a similar age, or do i need to find Surf specific ones?


Also, as i have near to no pedal left, is it ok to drive it to the garage for repair? It does stop and seems to hold if i try to pull off with the brake pedal down.

I'd imagine that as the front and rear brakes are split, then the remaining fluid in the master cylinder (it doesn't drop below a certain level) is used for the front brakes as they do most of the work? This is mere speculation of course...

Thanks.

[shokenore]

I did mine.
Just cut out the manky bit and put a new section in.
Got a kit from machine mart and some pipe and fittings off eBay.
After doing all that the local to me independent motor factor told me he make up lengths ready to fit.
I couldn't recommend driving to the garage though.
I'm sure elf n safety would be shaking their heads.....

[Don Logan]

I might well do Shokenore..

Are the tools for cutting and flaring the tubes very small? The actual leak is in a tight space in between chassis/body/fuel tank and it's gonna be a pain int' ar$e getting even to the accessible parts of the pipe to cut and splice a new bit in.


Does anyone know what diameter/type of pipe i need to get looking for?

Cheers.

[shokenore]

3/16 pipe
10mm fittings if I remember correctly
I remade mine from just aft of the brake line splitter and routed new line up and around the fuel tank to pick up at a good bit of pipe.
It was a bit fiddly.
The obvious warnings do apply ie don't poke your eyes with sharp sticks don't drink brake fluid
If you are unsure get a garage to do it
I was quoted about £150 to redo the lines.

[Yorkshire Devil]

Load Sensing Valves

The load sensing valves are also known to corrode through and leak with age.

[chardspm]

My load sensing valve is leaking for years now but not much, I mean valve is wet but no traces on the road in the morning. Just recently, my brakes goes at the bottom intermittently. I already installed new MC and did several bleeding but seems air will not go and problem comes back. Any hint about this problems? Would it be OK to byspass the load sensing valve until I can find replacement? What would be its effect if bypassed?

Hope to hear from anyone.

Cheers,
Chard