Soft Brakes?

[discomike]

With what you describe as a gshh sound when pressing the pedal, yes I would say there is a pretty good chance that is the case. I think there is a test to verify that and you might want to get up under the dash and press the brake pedal a couple of time, while the engine is running and see what you hear.
Mike J.

 

[cyberegg]

I did the testing of the servo unit outlined in the Haynes manual, section 10-12, and it "passed" the testing - that it's ok. ????? I've stuck my head down by the brake pedal, and the gshhh, or a pressure type of sound is still there. I'm going to work on it today, check the vacuum servo unit check valve, and see how that goes. Does anybody's brakes make a gshhh, shhh, or psssh sound when applied That's in addition to the click the stop light makes. I'm ready to walk up to a Disco owner here in town and ask if I can listen to their brake pedal. That will either be construed as a pick up line, or I'll get a really strange reputation in this town I'm going to try and do what I can, until I can get it in to the dealer (yuk).

 

[discomike]

I haven't heard on in awhile and boy when one is leaking it is noticable.
Mike J.

 

[cyberegg]

I've got another appointment this friday at a brake specialist. I specified I've got a LR Disco, and I want them to check the servo, and all ABS parts. They sound knowledgeable on the phone, and I've heard good things about their shop. This is REALLY good, because I tried talking to the upscale garage again, and they were snotty again to me. I'm on a mission now to get this brake issue settled, and can't wait to feel safe driving my truck.

On the other hand, maybe walking up to a goodlooking Disco owner, and asking if I can listen to his brakes might be a good way to meet someone...

 

[discomike]

Good,
Stay in touch.
Mike J.

 

[Hudy]

Interesting topic guys.

I have been wondering the same thing about my brakes being soft. I was assuming the vehicle weight to brake ratio was higher so not to worry. When I apply the brakes hard it will stop no problem, but in traffic it just seems like the pedal is almost to the floor. One thing I noticed is if I get on the accelerator I seem to have more break pedal. Just my imagination? Is there some connection?

Maybe at 13,000 miles I just need to change the break fluid.

Tom

You really should have less breaking power if you were just on the accelerator. Because there is less engine vacuum when you are on the gas, the brake booster has less to work with. So you get less power assist. Probably just your imagination.

As for used brake parts. I would advise against it. It is brakes. It protects you and your family. Would you like to risk your family just to save a few bucks?

I would advise you have someone look at the brakes to diagnose your noise. Mushy pedal is usually air in the lines. Or it could be caliper pistons sticking. If the booster were bad your pedal would be wicked hard.

Good luck,
Jeff