Sharan -98 tdi brake problems (master cylinder)

**snorhyvel** · 12-01-2012,09:31 AM

Hi,

I've got a problem with my brakes, first I have to press very hard to get any brake at all, so this seems like some servo problem... but worse is, that when I press and hold the pedal, in continues sinking... so, that would be the master cylinder, right?

anyone that have any "how to" for changing or renovate the master cylinder? any other tips are welcome as well.

thank you

//Kjell from Sweden

**towcestervag** · 13-01-2012,10:34 PM

sorry mate not a nice job!
they did have a recall some time ago for water getting into master cyl and servo

**snorhyvel** · 14-01-2012,12:33 PM

ok, but it's not enough to change the brake fluid? do you know how to remove the master cylinder? is it possible to do it with the engine in place? it seems very tight...

**bmwdumptruck** · 17-01-2012,11:38 AM

Before you go pulling all that apart check the vacuum pipe from the vacuum pump to the servo.

Mine split a few years ago, and after posting the problem on here it seems to be fairly common.

I repaired mine with some garden hose sleeved with some 10mm copper pipe and small jubilee pipes. Been fine ever since, and was checked early last year when we did the clutch

**snorhyvel** · 24-01-2012,01:50 PM

now I've changed the master cylinder, but the brakes got even worse...

but now I'm quite sure that it's something wrong with the servo... the mechanic told me that the servo pump and the pipe was ok.

anyone that have any more tips and tricks? anyone know how to remove the servo? is it possible to fix it or do I have to change it? would it be worth trying to change the brake fluid first?

**kenney** · 24-01-2012,02:24 PM

to check the servo,with the engine not running,pump the brake pedal,and keep your foot on it,start the engine and you should feel the pedal sink a bit.One thing you should also be aware of is when everything is working normal,if you press the brake pedal with the engine running it will sink quite a lot and on most TDI's this is normal.Have you checked the one way valve???