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hotsam Samba Member
Joined: December 02, 2015 Posts: 366 Location: Ashburn, VA
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Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:16 am Post subject: Brake Issues - Suddenly No Pedal |
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1968 Beetle which I picked up in November 2020 and just started recently driving.
* Ghia Front Discs
* Type 3 Rear Drums, all new cylinders and hardware
* Master Cylinder is of unknown age but has been adjusted to within spec
* I have not replaced the soft brake hoses
* No obvious brake fluid leaks
* Brake reservoir is full
Issue:
I drove the car 4 days ago. Brakes were fine. Ever so slightly softer pedal on the first pump, but the car stopped completely fine.
Today, after not driving or touching the car, almost no pedal on the first pump (98% no brakes - they will stop the car eventually). Second pump is very firm.
I'm thinking it could be:
1. Air in the lines somehow? Bleed and see what happens? If so, I've got a bad connection (but no obvious leaks)?
2. Bad brake hoses? I should probably replace these anyway.
3. Bad master cylinder?
Let me hear your opinions... _________________ 1968 Beetle |
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VW_Jimbo Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016 Posts: 9954 Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:32 am Post subject: Re: Brake Issues - Suddenly No Pedal |
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Gut says master cylinder blew a seal.
Start by bleeding and adjusting the shoes. If that leads to the same feeling. Loosen up the shoes. Pull the wheels and drums. Then take a close look at everything. Get under the car and look for any fluid seeping out or large “wet” areas on the pan. Find and repair anything leaking or bad.
If all checks okay change the master.
You should be changing the soft brake hoses every 10 years. How old are they? _________________ Jimbo
There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!
TDCTDI wrote: |
Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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hotsam Samba Member
Joined: December 02, 2015 Posts: 366 Location: Ashburn, VA
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Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:43 am Post subject: Re: Brake Issues - Suddenly No Pedal |
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VW_Jimbo wrote: |
Gut says master cylinder blew a seal. |
This is my current thinking
Quote: |
Start by bleeding and adjusting the shoes. If that leads to the same feeling. Loosen up the shoes. Pull the wheels and drums. Then take a close look at everything. Get under the car and look for any fluid seeping out or large “wet” areas on the pan. Find and repair anything leaking or bad.
If all checks okay change the master. |
First step is definitely going to be to bleed everything - though I did this maybe two months ago at the most.
Quote: |
You should be changing the soft brake hoses every 10 years. How old are they? |
Unknown - a lot of work on this car was done by a very reputable shop in Massachusetts, but I've found a bunch of stuff that wasn't done quite right. It wouldn't surprise me if the hoses are old. _________________ 1968 Beetle |
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sjbartnik Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2011 Posts: 5994 Location: Brooklyn
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Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 11:39 am Post subject: Re: Brake Issues - Suddenly No Pedal |
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The hoses have the date of manufacture printed on them. _________________ 1965 Volkswagen 1500 Variant S
2000 Kawasaki W650 |
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viiking Samba Member
Joined: May 10, 2013 Posts: 2667 Location: Sydney Australia
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Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 2:54 pm Post subject: Re: Brake Issues - Suddenly No Pedal |
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Just check.
Drum master cylinders have residual pressure valves.
Disc master cylinders SHOULDN'T have residual pressure valves.
If you have bled the brakes properly and cannot get a pedal, then I too believe the MC has blown an internal seal or is generally unserviceable. _________________ 1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3 |
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hotsam Samba Member
Joined: December 02, 2015 Posts: 366 Location: Ashburn, VA
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Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 3:12 pm Post subject: Re: Brake Issues - Suddenly No Pedal |
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I'll check the lines for a date of manufacture and I am planning on replacing the master cylinder for peace of mind. _________________ 1968 Beetle |
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Starbucket Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2007 Posts: 4025 Location: WA
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Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 3:41 pm Post subject: Re: Brake Issues - Suddenly No Pedal |
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Look at the inside of your tires for fluid from a wheel cyl. leak. Old master then new seal kit or rebuild if you can't bleed. |
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