Brake Problem on 1.8 karmann gti

Hi guys and gals i have just got my self my first golf and loving it but i have a problem with the brakes the owner before me put it through an mot a couple of days before i got it,  it failed on a master brake cylindar but they replaced it the problem is if i am at the traffic lights with my foot on the brake the pedal slips down and it starts rolling also if i brake slowing it doesnt brake and i have to pump the brakes to make them work if anyone has any advice it would be awsome cheers.

gropsy13 said

 if anyone has any advice it would be awsome cheers.

Don't drive the car!


Welcome to the site.  Sorry I can't help but someone else will give you a few ideas.

Danny

hello and hope your ok, sounds like you will need a complete overhaul! but removing the air (ie:bleeding) from the system will certainly improve your chances!

if you have little knowledge and some tools then grab a haynes manual and about 5 litres of brake fluid to thouroughly flush the system, if you are not comfortable with doing it yourself then dont take it back to the garage that carried out the MOT, find another!  

tipremove and clean the inside of the master cylinder reservoir because if this is not clean then the system will never be clean)  

hope this helps

ian t

Could be air in the system as tubbett says but I think the symptoms you are describing are indicative of a knackered servo. Could also be a leak in the vacuum pipes somewhere.

I really wouldn't drive it until you get it sorted. If it is the servo it is a great time to upgrade to the 16v servo and m/c. Add a pair of vauxhall calipers and 16v 256mm discs and you will have the best setup you can get for peanuts.

Have a look in the braking faq for more info on the upgrades.

HTH

Thanks for the replies thats a great help i am gunna try bleeding the brakes over easter hopfully that will work cheers

I have a problem with mine too.
The brake pedal is very soft and spongey. It doesn't go all the way to the floor but close. I have blead the brakes untill no air is coming out.

Calipars are in good condition, only thing I can think of is one of the cylinders in the back, the bleeder is broken.
Ny help appreciated?

aberry said

I have a problem with mine too.
The brake pedal is very soft and spongey. It doesn't go all the way to the floor but close. I have blead the brakes untill no air is coming out.

Calipars are in good condition, only thing I can think of is one of the cylinders in the back, the bleeder is broken.
Ny help appreciated?

Have you made sure that the rear bias valve is fully open when you have bled the brakes? This can trap air in if not (bleed them with car on the ground)