Originally Posted by Green Berlina
I did not suggest this as a potential problem in this case as the first post to this thread states that braded hoses have already ...
I did not suggest this as a potential problem in this case as the first post to this thread states that braded hoses have already been fitted.
I think we're on with Phil's problem now.
Do try and keep up GB!!
The other thing to bear in mind is that if you are using floor mounted pedals with the underfloor MC, you can't have the pushrod tightened right up. There has to be some "slack" in it to allow the system to recover after a firm application of the brakes. If you have the push rod really tight, as the MC refills with fluid it can apply the brakes of it's own accord. It's quite a hard thing to get your head round because you have to deliberately introduce a bit of flop into the brake pedal where all instincts tell you that you want it nice and firm and stiff.
If you are finding you get a really firm pedal immediately after a firm push on the brakes, you may have it a little too tight.
Blimey - I think someone should write a book on Alfa Brakes.
I am going to make notes of all your suggestions, take big mug of coffee and ponder.
That 'Introducing a bit of flop' sounds interesting. I have noticed that the pedal can be very firm on starting but gets progressively slack after a bit of driving. Do you think that indicates the need for more 'Flop'?
I think for two minutes spannering it's worth trying Phil but it would be more apparent if you do some successive hard stops rather than it being there at the start. All servo setups have a firm pedal when the engine is off. If you start the car with your foot on the pedal it should fall.
Unfortunately the 2000GTV set-up is the worse one of them all and is unnecessarily complicated with the twin circuit and twin servos! You just need to make one change at a time and work through it methodically I'm afraid.
I've mentioned before somewhere, may be on this thread??
That there is a batch of pattern master cylinders which are faulty, they cause exactly the same symptoms you mention Phill.
If loosening it up as Rick suggested doesn't do the trick, you might need to look at replacing the M/C.
I battled with this for some time before I bit the bullet and replaced my 3 month old M/C with a known tried and tested one from a friends car, It worked!.
I think for two minutes spannering it's worth trying Phil but it would be more apparent if you do some successive hard stops rather than it being there at the start. All servo setups have a firm pedal when the engine is off. If you start the car with your foot on the pedal it should fall.
Unfortunately the 2000GTV set-up is the worse one of them all and is unnecessarily complicated with the twin circuit and twin servos! You just need to make one change at a time and work through it methodically I'm afraid.
Er, And would that include methodically changing the already changed braded hoses AGAIN???
GB, Jools said he had changed his hoses but Phil didn't and he has had the rear brakes lock up.
Thanks JPA, I've just been having a read back thru this thread and realised my mistake too . I'd forgotten that there were 2 different cars/problems going on here .
Yep - got all that and you are right -it is complicated. Also appreciate that pedal will be firm with engine off but in addition to the odd brake locking incident the pedal starts firm with engine ON and gets progressively slack.
Spannering and the master cylinder seems favourite place to start at the moment.
Had intended to have a shufty at the Alfa this weekend but my co-driver and I are doing the Ramshackle Rally in August in a £100 1966 Volvo Amazon estate that has been rotting in a field for 6 years. Now that is proving to be slightly more problematic...
Had intended to have a shufty at the Alfa this weekend but my co-driver and I are doing the Ramshackle Rally in August in a £100 1966 Volvo Amazon estate that has been rotting in a field for 6 years. Now that is proving to be slightly more problematic...
Rick beat me to "the bit of slack" in the pushrod as the first suspect, most of the other causes have been covered so it looks like you will just have to check each wheel for sticking.........pick a sunny day and tinker away.
I am looking for the owner of a piper yellow berttie, reg ORY 411M if anybody knows who owns "her" (She was mine till a moment of madness...... ) could you let me know.
I've heard worse ones than spending money on a 41 year old Swedish banger.
Good luck with it! We want photos!!
OK - Photos - I will try but I am worse at that than I am with Alfa brakes...
If the pictures appear you will understand why Volvo based problems are looking worse than Alfa ones at present but will try to address 'bit of slack' suggestion this weekend.
Re: Brake Problem
Er, And would that include methodically changing the already changed braded hoses AGAIN???
Re: Brake Problem
) could you let me know.
