1997 passat tdi 110 sport brake problem

[GPW]

Hi there,

Have noticed a problem with my wife's Passat's brakes yesterday. Basically, the brakes are stopping the car ok, but when stationary, the pedal can gradually be pushed straight to the floor. The car brakes evenly and stops ok. Next time you brake, same thing.

On the way home last night, the dash warning light came on [(!)] and beeps three times repeatedly. Coasted home and noticed that the reservior was empty (where had all the fluid gone?).

With the ignition off, the brake pedal hardens up fine, but as soon as the ignition is on, you can push your foot to the floor again.

I think it is the servo that's gone, but would appreciate some assistance?

Regards, GPW.

[stuart]

Sounds like Servo to me as well, if there are no visable leaks. Must be a major leak though to empty the resovoir.

It is not leaking into the footwell is it? check to see if the carpet is wet.

Stuart

[GPW]

Thanks, I got home just before dark and had a look in the footwells, both bone dry. Couldn't really see under the car to see any pools (it was also snowing last night so taht didn't help spot a leak). I topped up the fluid to the minimum so lets see if that disappears. The car now brakes, but suddenly and on a low pedal (feels like there's no servo assistance, like you suggested) and tried the thread about activating the abs on wet grass but no joy. Freewheeling down a slight incline the car appeared to only brake on the passenger side. I'll get it up on the ramps this weekend and see if it's leaking from the front drivers or rear nearside calliper. Otherwise, as you suggested, it's the servo.
Regards, GPW

[gresty]

The only other possibility is that the seals in the master cylinder are worn and are letting fluid 'recirculate' causing poor braking effort or the pedal to slowly go to the floor. If there is no apparent leaks this probably will be the problem.

[Lex Luthor]

I have just has exactly the same symptoms : reservoir empty, pedal still hard but would go to the floor.
Well, the fluid had to be going somewhere. Found a leak on the OSR hose to the caliper.
The brakes appeared to function ok but the reservoir emptied in a week.
You've got to have a leak.

[GPW]

Thanks for all your assistance. Problem now solved by fitting a replacement master cylinder and servo unit, all for £35.00. Hail E-bay!