My brakes

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 08:33

Ok so yesterday I drove from Bristol to Sheffield and back and I kind of noticed a problem with my brakes and need some advice.

When I first put my foot on the brake pedal, it starts to brake, but then it doesnt brake any more, and a couple of times I got very close to hitting the car in front (when I had been a perfectly safe distance away when starting to brake)

I havent got a light on to say the brake fluid is low, and the car had new brake pads and shoes (I think it was both, a mechanic friend I am no longer in contact with did it for me - had two parts to it if I remember correctly) 18 months ago.

I know I need to go and get it checked id just like to kind of know what im talking about when I take it in the garage, any ideas what it could be?

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 09:00

Its a vauxhall corsa. (52 plate)
I have the brake pedal right on the floor and its not stopping. As in I am pressing harder to try and stop the car, but its not very effective.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 09:03

Lopéz said:
In that case you have a leak, captain

And what does that mean and how much is it going to cost me?

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 09:04

nutcase_1uk said:
Definitely do not drive the car.

Was it discs and pads that were changed? Brake shoes wear very slowly compared to pads.

Quite a few things it could be really, but one thing to bear in mind is low level warning lights can also fail.

Im pretty sure it was both yes.
I have a kwik fit literally at the end of my road, might try and get it in there today.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 09:10

R124/LA420 said:
Wait until Monday and get somebody who knows what they are doing to have a proper look.

I need my car for work, I have a disabled child to get about. Hence me needing it fixed sooner rather than later.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 09:20

Lopéz said:
I'd almost be willing to put money on it being one (or both) rear wheel cylinders. There is one inside each drum at the back. Check carefully inside the rear wheels, can you feel any dampness or greasiness on the bottom of the drum?

So I have to go out to the car and feel inside the wheel on the bottom where it touches the ground?
Sorry for being a girl, but I do like learning stuff, so just wanted to check.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 09:21

R124/LA420 said:
it does sound like a leak of some kind, possibly wheel cylinders - sharp use of the handbrake can cause them to fail early - do you like Rally driving?

Yes I do, but not in my car!

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 09:25

Im a girl!
I live on my own!
Im 5ft 2 and I have no clue about safely jacking my car up!
(let alone taking the wheels off)

Hence the problem, and if im not meant to drive the car the nearest garage (about 2 mins drive) is Kwik Fit.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 09:28

Lopéz said:
That shows it from both sides - see the round grotty thing about the size of a small plate that the wheel is attached to? That's the drum. Check around the bottom of it for signs of leaking fluid. Then check the other side.

Lack of fluid doesn't mean it isn't leaking, it can all stay inside the drum for some time, but if it IS leaking out of the cylinder it's just easier to spot.

Ok am running down the stairs to have a look now.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 09:35

Ok its all very nice and clean under there and no sign of anything leaking.
Havent driven the car for 12 hours now though so would it dry out?
The driveway hasnt got any evidence of anything leaking onto it either.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 09:39

Gaygle said:
wow, how were you typing at the same time?

As in when I finished typing :rolleyes:

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 10:01

Fluid level is right up to the top bar half a centimetre, I just went and checked.

My dad said if all that is normal (he only knows the basics about cars) it might be the servo? (whatever that is)

He got me to sit there and take the hand brake off with the foot pedal pressed down and the light goes out.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 10:02

danza said:
Do you have anything like AA homestart?

Ive got Directline breakdown cover.
(not sure what level)

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 10:35

Matt82 said:
why not pull it apart this noon and have a look?

Um because im a girl and I havent got a clue about cars?

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 10:43

Xez said:
Wont be the servo. If you can press your foot to the floor the servo is working fine unless its making any hissing / other strange noises. Sounds like master cylinder or somewhere along those lines.

The servo aids your braking to make it easier to brake harder. Like power steerings for brakes really. If that helps to explain a bit

Nope not making any noises.
Is the cylinder going to be expensive if its that?

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 13:50

I can do basic things like checking the oil etc, but when someone says pull it apart this afternoon and have a look?
Tbh most blokes wouldnt have a clue either, so I can see your point. Just frustrated that my car is sick.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 13:54

Matt82 said:
seriously, think about the car's issue logically. on a sunday, unless you have got some good mates, no one is going to fix that apart from you

But if its a brake cylinder, I can hardly just pop down the supermarket, throw one in the back of the car and hey presto its fixed can I?

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 14:01

Thankyou.
On both comments.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 14:06

Matt82 said:
sounds like youd need to start by bleeding the hydraulics and then maybe working out why it went wrong, if it goes wrong again.

I cant do that because I wouldnt have a clue where to start and wouldnt want to break my car further! Which part of that do you not get?

with the engine off, can you still push the pedal to the floor

Yes it still goes right down.

knip · 27 Apr 2008 at 14:10

Gaijin said:
Fact of the matter is that if you aren't mechanically minded and you don't know anyone who is, then it is likely you will need to get this seen to, especially if you need parts.

I really know I need to get it fixed, I came in here to ask for some ideas on what it might be, and I thought that people would be able to tell from the things I have said that I know very little more than the basics about cars.