Yesterday I took my van for a spin and when parking on a slope it came to my attention my handbrake wasn’t working-at all. I chocked the van, went for a quick walk and returned and thought I’d carry on my drive. a bit up the road I suddenly thought I wonder if this means my foot brake affected as the brake pedal was sometimes hard, sometimes soft. I stopped again and checked there was brake fluid. It wasn’t full but there was fluid. I drove home and checked the cable at the hand brake end and it seemed rigid. I did have my good trousers on tho so didn’t want to get right under. I leave the handbrake off where I keep the van as it’s flat and don’t want it seizing on over winter. any ideas please? The foot pedal thing was a bit odd too. Cheers
Think the fluid level may be a clue... leaking rear brake cylinder ? Should be obvious from the inside of the wheel......ptfe tape NOT a recommended cure.
Sounds like your rear brake shoes could benefit from an adjustment. When did you last have them looked at?
How much slack is there on the pull of the H/B lever ...how many clicks . Is the pedal harder when the H/B is on full Start with adjustment of brakes first then your handbrake after , then see what happens MC
A "sometimes soft" brake pedal needs looking at asap.. Start by doing a visual check for leaks at all 4 wheels and the master cylinder. Pull the rubber boot back on the master cylinder to see if there is fluid behind it. If so, master cylinder is shot. If all checks out, bleed the system. The handbrake problem is probably going to need the drums off to check everything is moving freely. I seem to recall drum removal is your specialty?
A "sometimes soft" brake pedal needs looking at asap.. Start by doing a visual check for leaks at all 4 wheels and the master cylinder. Pull the rubber boot back on the master cylinder to see if there is fluid behind it. If so, master cylinder is shot. If all checks out, bleed the system. The handbrake problem is probably going to need the drums off to check everything is moving freely. I seem to recall drum removal is your specialty?
You remember well @Dubs I will try and find my brake drum removal thread to remind myself what occurred. Apart from old mechanic hitting it with a lump hammer
You need to get your old fellow (or anyone familiar with brakes - brakes on a Bay aren't really different to any other vehicle) to take a good look at the whole lot, Alex. As above, one day they may vanish completely.
