an odd issue

helpimcrap · 20 Jan 2010 at 18:13

Right, car is a 1997 R reg ford galaxy.

MOT is coming up and we've been told brake servo is required as it doesn't work 'great' when engine is off. i thought brake servos were vacuum operated and if the car wasn't running a vacuum wasn't created and hence they don't work well when car isn't turned on.

having checked here it seems it's only required when the engine is running? or am i reading it wrong? every car i've had i'm sure the brakes have never been anywhere near strong when not running. and when towing a car i've always had to allow extra as the servo isn't running (as the cars not running) and sometimes really struggled to stop.

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_360.htm

helpimcrap · 20 Jan 2010 at 18:31

it makes kinda a little sense. but i don't recall having a car it has actually been an issue on and it's never worked. :confused:

helpimcrap · 20 Jan 2010 at 20:05

just been out and tried it.

got up to 20mph, switched car off - tried brakes. they worked great and i'd say were servo assisted the first 4 or 5 times. after that they were rock hard and got harder from the first one but were a lot stronger than the 5th one. :confused:

helpimcrap · 21 Jan 2010 at 18:14

Lopéz said:
You are completely correct.

The MOT test to see if a servo is working goes as follows:

Pump brake pedal a few times with engine off. Start engine keeping pressure on brake pedal. If pedal drops slightly when engine starts, servo is working.

cheers for that. completely baffled me. asked a few mates but they weren't sure either. is the MOT guy having one over on us?

checked and you have to buy one from ford for the model - £400 with a discount!

just wiper blades and tyres besides that.

helpimcrap · 22 Jan 2010 at 12:41

Aero said:
Just out of curiosity where are you taking your car for is MOT?

got no idea - it was taken to a garage by the mechanic. been told it isn't an issue by someone who deals with cars a lot so hopefully this can be resolved.