Problem with my brakes.

[callumbwilson]

Hi, this morning I started to drive and to my dread I pressed the brake and nothing happened, I let the car warm through and then started to drive again then as I pressed the brakes they locked on fully and I couldn't move. I let the car sit again the brake loosened off so i drove a little then pressed the brakes and they lock on again.

Has anyone got a clue what the problem is?

Callum

[zollaf]

check the plenum where the servo and battery sit, for water.

[martin1810]

To echo zollaf you almost certainly need a new servo. Don't drive it like this. Brakes jamming on is the least of the problem. Just try stopping from high speed with no servo help. Brown underpants at the least.

[callumbwilson]

Previous to today I had no problem at all but last night it went to -5 would that affect the servo or plenum?

[snapdragon]

Yes, mine used to do this for the reasons above, I assume due to ice in the servo.

[callumbwilson]

Yes, mine used to do this for the reasons above, I assume due to ice in the servo.

How did you fix this?

[snapdragon]

New servo at a garage. The original ones are "for indoor use only". :zx11:

[bluerolo]

Hi I'm new to the site and have never been on a forum before so if I've done it wrong I apologise!

I've had the same problem with my 2002 1.9 TDI with the brakes going rock hard in the cold weather. Got breakdown people out cos I'm ashamed to say I know NOTHING about cars (so please bear with me:o) I was told it could be damp in the brake cylinder and as it seemed to have rectified with the engine runnig I presumed it was a one off. Brakes were fine for about a fortnight then at weekend same thing happened. Went on the net and came across many people having similar problems, this is where I learned about problems with the plenum chamber blocking. I haven't received a recall notice so contacted the main dealer. My car has been checked over by them under the recall and they have told me that though the plenum chamber was dry I need a new brake servo as it was all corroded and full of water. I asked if they thought it could have been caused by a blocked plenum chamber and they said they were not sure but admitted that it was not normal for the servo to be in such a poor condition given the age of the car. They have approached VW uk on my behalf for a good will gesture but as Ive not had my servicing done by the main dealer and its out warranty I should not hold my breath :aargh4:
What I am wondering is - could this amount of damaged be caused by something other than a blocked plenum chamber? Has anyone else had success getting VW uk to pay for this fault? Any general tips/advice on how I should deal with it, what questions to ask when I pick car up tomorrow? As things stand I am footing the bill for £500 to repair brakes and £50 in diagnostics to tell me my brakes are screwed. Dread to think what my MOT is gonna cost me at the end of the month:crying:

[threep]

Seems like a popular problem.

I've noticed a couple of times over the last month or so that after long periods of time sat at motorway speeds (Audi A4 TDi 1996), hit the brakes and initially you get a very firm brake pedal, but on pumping it you get normal behaviour.

Now after all this cold weather its happening straight after starting the car, though normal braking does come back after pumping a couple of times and then remains "normal" in urban motoring.

From reading various forums I think it's likely I have a blocked plenum chamber and I need to replace the servo. I'm a graduate mechanical engineer and usually do all my own maintenance. Does anyone have any links to workshop manuals detailing the steps needed to replace the servo and if any special tools are needed? A replacement servo costs £149 whereas it looks like a garage bill for the work is more likely to be over £600!

[bluerolo]

Hopefully I have some good news on this matter!
Last time I mentioned about the problem I was having with my brakes and plenum chamber etc I was awaiting a reply from Volkeswagen UK to see if they would offer a goodwill payment. Even though the chamber was dry when they examined it as the servo was so corroded and full of water they have paid the FULL cost of the repair all £590!! They also sorted out the plenum chamber. From reading on various sites it would appear I have been one of the luckier ones but I just wanted to give hope to anyone else in the same situation - dont give up and dont back down cos they will pay if you push it with them :cool:

They even gave the car a full valet before I got it back :beerchug: