This has been going on for about a month now. Let me explain. My brake pedal feels very strange when driving. I have tested to see if the servo works, which it does, however when pressing the pedal with the car on, I need to press the pedal down further for the car to start braking. The pedal is also softer than usual, meaning I can take the pedal to the floor if I press hard but still not that hard. The car still stops fine, I've tried numerous emergency stops from 50 and 60 mph. What could be causing this issue? Me and my mechanic have tried putting some sealing paste stuff on the servo and bleeding the brakes and topping up with fresh fluid but to no avail. I really want this sorted ASAP, as it isn't the nicest thing to have on a car I drive daily.

Hope this is sorted soon as I also plan on either beefing up the engine or swapping it entirely in future.

Hi Borys,
First thought is air in the system, but as you've bled the brakes it must be something more complex.
It could be one of a number of causes:
1 Could be air getting past the bleed screws, try new screws all round;
2 Could be hydraulic seals in either the master cylinder or one of the wheel brake assemblies;
3 If you have drums at the back then it could be the self-adjustment not working and retracting too much. Pads/disks don't normally cause this.

[quote="jinglebells"]Hi Borys,
First thought is air in the system, but as you've bled the brakes it must be something more complex.
It could be one of a number of causes:
1 Could be air getting past the bleed screws, try new screws all round;
2 Could be hydraulic seals in either the master cylinder or one of the wheel brake assemblies;
3 If you have drums at the back then it could be the self-adjustment not working and retracting too much. Pads/disks don't normally cause this.[/quote]

Thanks a lot for this info. Any idea where I can find a new self adjuster if my current ones are shot?

Also, is it known for the servo to fail in these cars?

I haven't experienced a servo failure myself, but you'd know if the pedal pressure had to be a lot more.

On the adjuster the manual says measure the pedal reserve which should be 70mm and if less then check the rear brake operation and adjuster.
First step is to pull the drums off to see if there is a problem.

-Old brake hoses can swell from the pressure.
Could be that, could be other things.
Saw this once or twice on brake hose, and numerous times on clutch hoses..
When pressing the pedal hard someone have to look all hoses are ok and not swelling.
-Master cylinder is the one that can cause this.
Check with the car on, pres the pedal 4-5 times and on the last hold it pressed.
If with time creeps down the master cylinder is for repair(new seals) or change with new.
-brake cylinder failure
you can see leak of fluid (when drums you should remove them to be able to see)
-bleed nipples
you should be able to see leaks
If servo doesnt work it will be exactly the opposite feel, pedal will go hard not soft.
-You should consider ABS problem aswell as it is a part from the brake system.
Not sure thou what could be the problem if it is from there..
Good luck!
And share info when you eliminate the causer!

[quote="maZZda"]-Old brake hoses can swell from the pressure.
Could be that, could be other things.
Saw this once or twice on brake hose, and numerous times on clutch hoses..
When pressing the pedal hard someone have to look all hoses are ok and not swelling.
-Master cylinder is the one that can cause this.
Check with the car on, pres the pedal 4-5 times and on the last hold it pressed.
If with time creeps down the master cylinder is for repair(new seals) or change with new.
-brake cylinder failure
you can see leak of fluid (when drums you should remove them to be able to see)
-bleed nipples
you should be able to see leaks
If servo doesnt work it will be exactly the opposite feel, pedal will go hard not soft.
-You should consider ABS problem aswell as it is a part from the brake system.
Not sure thou what could be the problem if it is from there..
Good luck!
And share info when you eliminate the causer![/quote]

So, it's been a while but I've finally narrowed down what was causing the issue. It turned out to be a mix of the front pads, rear shoes and front brake hoses being worn. Disaster averted.

Hi
Ok, pleased you got it sorted.