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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: mowlamb on 22 June 2010, 17:06

Title: Brake pedal is solid ** NOT ANY MORE :) **
Post by: mowlamb on 22 June 2010, 17:06
Since fitting my EGR delete pipe I've now found my brake pedal goes solid before I've come to a stop. It was fine the morning I changed the pipe over. Just wondered if it could be something I knocked while I was up the top of the engine? An ex mechanic at work says it might have something to do with the 2 pipes i had to pull out the egr when replacing it. I doubt that is the case tho as I'm sure your suppose to leave them off. I also removed the brake fluid cap to make it easier to get to the bolts on the egr. Now the guy at work says this wouldn't have caused the pedal to go solid. Could it of? If none of the above then any ideas what it could be?
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: Mr_Orange on 22 June 2010, 17:17
Loss of vacuum to brake master cylinder?  Get it sorted man, that's well dodgy.
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: mowlamb on 22 June 2010, 17:25
How would you sort it? How would it have happened?
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: Adam on 22 June 2010, 18:06
To be fair I have noticed it too with mine :/ Never thought much till you said this. Wonder if rhyso has had the same problem....
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: Mr_Orange on 22 June 2010, 18:08
(http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww140/najmeade/VWcar_photo_11393_7.jpg)
Brakes:  If they aren't right and you don't know what you are doing, get someone involved that does.
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: Adam on 22 June 2010, 18:12
Mr_Orange my brakes are fine nothing wrong with them. Been like it for the last 9months. I can stop just fine.
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: Mr_Orange on 22 June 2010, 18:21
Sorry dude, I'm not after an argument, but it does seem like quite a ludicrous statement/question; 

"My brakes were never the the same after I played about with some hoses...?"

Remember that when you plough into someone, knowing they weren't "quite right"....
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: Adam on 22 June 2010, 18:34
Sorry dude, I'm not after an argument, but it does seem like quite a ludicrous statement/question; 

"My brakes were never the the same after I played about with some hoses...?"

Remember that when you plough into someone, knowing they weren't "quite right"....

Point taken :afro:

The only thing I can think of is the vac system getting less of a vac :undecided:
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: mowlamb on 22 June 2010, 19:26
No one know what might cause this an how to fix it? Adam, mine goes solid then I have to press hard to stop fully. It slows me own to a roll thenI have to really press to stop dead.
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: adi on 22 June 2010, 19:39
have you blanked the pipes you have taken of ?, dont they run of vacume for the egr causing loss for the brake master, also check the servo pipe is fitted in the master ok (right in the seal) hope this helps.
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: mowlamb on 22 June 2010, 19:48
I have taped them up but not sure if I've covered the end's completely. The pipes disconnected when removing the EGR are for the engine shudder valve and the hot flow valve. This is what is said on the instructions for the delete kit.

"Disconnect the two small bore pipes (engine shudder valve and hot flow valve) these should be secured and tucked out of sight, but can normally be left open to atmosphere, you will no longer need these pipes functioning"
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: Rhyso on 22 June 2010, 20:12
Get your brakes bled!

I've had no issues with mine - if anything I find my pedal too soft  :undecided:
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: mowlamb on 22 June 2010, 20:24
Get your brakes bled!

I've had no issues with mine - if anything I find my pedal too soft  :undecided:

SIR YES SIR!!!

Going to try and get it sorted 2moro.
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid
Post by: Wayne on 22 June 2010, 21:22
Get your brakes bled!

I've had no issues with mine - if anything I find my pedal too soft  :undecided:

+1
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid ** NOT ANY MORE :) **
Post by: mowlamb on 23 June 2010, 09:51
Right so I'll explain from the beginning. At the weekend I fitted my EGR delete pipe but to do so I took the brake fluid reservoir cap off. I also thought it would be easier to undo the bolt holding it to the engine bay so I could maybe move it to give me better access to the bolts of the EGR valve. The bolt I had to undo to move the reservoir was a pain to undo so I got it half way and thought fook it and started to tighten it back up. This was also a pain so I got it half way and thought I'll do that up later.

Pic of the reservoir I fiddled with:

(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy80/mowlamb/brakes.jpg)

Contined on and fitted the EGR delete and took the car for a spin to check all was ok. I came to my first junction touched the brakes and panicked. The pedal went solid before I stopped and I had to push it really hard to come to a halt. So this morning I popped over to the garage and they said the vacuum was fine and working but he noticed the screw I had forgot to screw back up.  :rolleyes: He said that could be causing a leak in the brake system or it could be a problem with the servo. So I booked it in for 2moro so they could have a proper look at it.

On the way home I thought about what he said and thought I'd screw the nut back up and see if it would sort it. Didn't think something that simple could work but low and behold it bloody did! Done it back up nice and tight, took it for a spin and the brakes were perfect again!  :grin:

So the moral of this story is always remember to tighten everything back up fully  :embarassed:
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid ** NOT ANY MORE :) **
Post by: 2001gti4 on 23 June 2010, 10:34
Always a good rule to follow, on the bright side you've learned something useful without any serious consequences  :smiley:
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid ** NOT ANY MORE :) **
Post by: Adam on 23 June 2010, 13:29
Glad you got it sorted. Mine doesn't go as stiff as you pedal did.
Title: Re: Brake pedal is solid ** NOT ANY MORE :) **
Post by: mowlamb on 23 June 2010, 14:01
It's spot on now. Feels better than before but that's probably a psychological thing. Now i can test the delete pipe properly without fear of not being able to stop lol!