Rover 416 Spongy brakes

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Tue 21 Jun 2005 21:09
Rover 416 Spongy brakes - Vinnie
My local brake specialist can't fix this one. !!

P reg saloon with ABS. Lucas brake system.
The problem came from 'no ware', ie the system hadn't been touched prior to this.

When braking the foot pedal slowly goes to the floor. Release it and immediately press again and it feels correct / OK.

Servo is OK as pedal depresses when I start up the engine.
After switching off the engine whe vacuum is used up in 2 depressions of the pedal and the pedal feels dead firm then, which I believe is correct.

The servo check valve is working correctly, cannot hear any air leaks. Oil condition is clear & clean.

No hydraulic leaks. Fitted brand new master cylinder - no change.
Brakes have been bled about 8 times now.

Each brake circuit has been isolated in turn, still faulty.

Has anyone any ideas please. The last thing I want to do is go to the Rover main agent !!

Thank you, Vinnie.
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Tue 21 Jun 2005 22:15
Rover 416 Spongy brakes - Civic8
Cant be certain on ABS. But sounds like the master cylinder seals. Faulty seals fold back on themselves under heavy pressure on pedal..then correct. I have known faulty master cylinders.So can only think that is the reason. I assume you are not getting ABS light on dash?.As I say cant be certain
--
Steve
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Tue 21 Jun 2005 23:18
Rover 416 Spongy brakes - Vinnie
Dear Steve, thank you for your prompt reply. I agree with you and it is also what several garages thought. The garage fitted a brand new Lucas master cylinder today and it made no difference whatever. The garage called the Rover main agent who said it sounded like the master cylinder as well. The only thing we can think of is that the replacement is faulty as well.
I'll let you know when / if I manage to correct it.
Best wishes, Mark.
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Mon 27 Jun 2005 19:58
Rover 416 Spongy brakes - Vinnie
Dear Steve, well the garage managed it in the end. They fitted a new master cylinder and that didn,t correct it.
It was all down to air in the system. We pumped a large volume of fluid through, bleeding at each wheel and eventually it was OK.
Everything suggested a fauliy cylinder as you said.
Anyway, thanks for your help Steve. It is kind of you to reply.
Best wishes, Mark.
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