Brake pedal travel problems

[Rmachines]

Hi,  this is on my 1.8GL

My brake pedal moves an awful long way down before finally doing anything, although when it does finally get there, its firm and reacts well.

I have fitted new front pads (as they were worn)   Made no difference as expected,  i replaced brake fluid, removed all air (that i know of),  no difference.  Adjusted the rear shoes,  no better.

Its not the rear shoe adjustment, as with the handbrake up, its no different,  with the engine off, it pumps up and goes rock hard so im sure its not air in the system.  Cars only done 68k miles, and full dealer history, with recent MOT. 

I remember my old 97 1.4 being like this but not my 95 1.8CL,  this one is a 97GL.  My diesel and GTI we both very firm also. this is by far the worst.

Any other ideas?   im starting to rip my hair out now ... whats left of it. 

[nikkiy9]

my 1.4 is like this, and i was goin to replace the brake fluid and fit new discs and pads

[javalin]

had a 1.8 GL that was the same - never did solve it.  Put a new master cylinder on it, bleed a litre of fluid through it, checked for bulge'ing hoses, etc.

Interested to see if you do solve it.

James