Help... Brakes & MOT (I feel like crying)

[jimbo73]

Hello All,

Never had a single problem with my brakes since I go the car. I have regularly checked brake fluid and had brake pads changed when they ae needed as well as the discs.

Now my car went in for an MOT today, and I got a phone call off the garage saying the brakes had 'locked'. It seems they had locked when he put it on the ramp as he said they where working when he got in, but as he went to spin the wheel around, it wouldnt move and he said it appeared the brakes where locked on. He had to release them by removing the resevoir cap and pulling the brake pedal back.

That released the brakes, and the car was okay, he said he took it arounf the compound and it locked once as he was driving but then went okay...But he would not do any furhter tests on it. Fare enough I think at this time.

I drove it home gingerly (about 1 mile)using only the handbrake when needed. As I got home I pressed the brake pedal (not hard) but it creaked like a spring or something was there... I have never had that sound before and the brakes where okay until the MOT.

Anyone got any ideas on what I should look for before taking it to a garage to be repaired..... I dont like walking in garages with no idea of whats wrong as some of them see an open cheque.

Oh please help.....


EDIT - And my passenger side brakelight is permanently on.... and the one in the back window... Oh FFS>

Help.

[Crasher]

More than likely you have a brake servo that has been damaged due to water ingress from a blocked plenum chamber, this is very common. The only way to tell is to remove the master cylinder and check for damage. The brake light is a separate issue, the brake light switch is probably broken, which may be due to the chap having to pull back the pedal but these are easy to change during servo replacement and have to be removed anyway and often break when removed, they cost less than £10 but the servo job certainly doesn’t.

[jimbo73]

Thanks for the reply. how much will a servo cost supplied & fitted..?? I gestimate.

Funnily enough, I got a letter today from VW for a plenum chamber check...

I have never even heard of it...?? If the Plenum chamber has caused the damage do VW repair consequential damage?

Thanks.

Jimbo..

[Crasher]

It depends on where you go and the specific car but a servo is typically £200, the master cylinder £150 and it takes about three hours so around £500 using genuine parts.

VW will repair consequential damage in certain cases, you will have to ask them.

[jimbo73]

Ah okay thanks for the info, I have just picked myself up off the floor....

I have spoken to VW, and they are taking it in on Monday to modify the Plenum Chamber, and they will have a look at the consequential damage and a Warranty Person (thats what she said) will make the decision wether I have to pay or not....

I will keep you all informed....

Jimbo.

[Crasher]

The modification is to remove the plenum chamber drains tubes which I have found does not stop the holes becoming blocked and if there are any nasty smells from under the car, these get sucked into the heater and you smell them and that includes carbon monoxide if the car is petrol engined (diesels don’t produce as much CO) and develops an exhaust leak. Ask them if they are removing the tubes or just cleaning them out. They should be cleaned every year. There is no other modification.

[jimbo73]

More than likely you have a brake servo that has been damaged due to water ingress from a blocked plenum chamber, this is very common. The only way to tell is to remove the master cylinder and check for damage. The brake light is a separate issue, the brake light switch is probably broken, which may be due to the chap having to pull back the pedal but these are easy to change during servo replacement and have to be removed anyway and often break when removed, they cost less than £10 but the servo job certainly doesn’t.

Does a spring push on this button??? I can hear a twitch springy noise when i press the pedal and my brake lights are permanantly on...

can I get to this easily? is there a quick Tutorial on how to get to it?? As I need to get to this to have a look so I can get it to the VW Garage..

Hope you guys can help.

THanks.

[kite]

Have a look on the brake pedal, brake lights on all the time is normally a broken switch.

[jimbo73]

Have a look on the brake pedal, brake lights on all the time is normally a broken switch.

Any idea where this switch is located??

Thanks.

Jimbo

[kite]

At the top of the brake pedal......
Have a search on here for fitting.....