One son is having alternator problems and another calls to report a brake problem...

This is an ABS car. He describes additional travel distance before reaching that point where the pedal "firms up" and the brakes are being applied. He said initially there was a hissing or gurgling sound, but that is no longer occurring.

He says the pedal is not pulsating and the car is stopping fine, but I am sure he is not pushing the envelope on speed or stopping distances.

I am wondering if one of the chambers on the dual master cylinder has lost its sealing power and it is therefore using only the remaining one? I think I can check for that by removing one line at a time and installing a plug on that outlet and see if one of them is unable to hold pedal pressure.

Any other ideas on what might be going on?

Thanks, Randy

I had replaced the brake pads at Thanksgiving and evidently when the piston was pushed in it damaged the seal.

My son said the fluid was not low, but the front chamber was empty while the rear was full. It is difficult to see the fluid when it is new and full to the top, so there was little difference in their appearance.

Replacing the caliper and bleeding the circuit brought the pedal right back to its normal position.

Randy

Sounds about right. Wifey's Golf gradually developed similar symptoms over a few days. In her case it was a leak in the line, that eventually resulted in me parking in my mechanic's yard with the e/brake.

Marten

Gurgling? Maybe the vacuum check valve or the power assist unit is having issues.
Maybe there's snow or rain in it?

Does the engine run funny when the brakes are applied?

Good Luck
--
1990 740 Turbo, on its way to stock specs, maybe beyond

Starkie,


Cold temperatures are especially vicious on rubber parts (seals, belts. etc).

I would not be suprised if the master cylinder was faulty. You could also of course have developed a leak in the lines, calipers, or brake failure switch.


Goatman