Brakes Failing

[Supernick]

Just got an almighty shock this morning coming off the dual carriageway on the way to work. As I touched the brakes to slow down there was no response until I really pushed the pedal hard. I managed the remaing mile or so to work carefully, but there was a very limited response whenever I touched them. Upon parking, handbrake was very slack as well and could pull virtually to upright with no force. What has happened, and is it likely to be expensive?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

well for one thing i wouldent drive the car until you get it checked.it seems you have lost pressure in the system,it could be a leaking wheel cylinder,it could be a pipe corroded and leaking or they might just need bleeding.but get it checked out before you drive it,if you are in the aa or rac,call them out to have a look.

[Supernick]

And that would affect the handbrake as well? I'll give the brake fluid levels a check if I can find them and see if there's any left. My manual is at home though (stupid place to have it). Anyone got any ideas where I can check on a Peugeot 206?

[jake-the-peg]

You might have lost the vacuum assistance although this wouldn't affect the handbrake. If this fails you do get a response but it's hugely reduced and you really have to stand on the brakes to stop. Loss of fluid normally feels like you have to "pump" the brakes to stop

Too difficult (and dangerous) to diagnose over the net.

best of luck

[qapmoc]

Have a look under the car at the back of each rear hub assembly, does one of them have brake fluid leaking out of it, because this sound's like maybe one of the rear brakes assemblies has broken or otherwise fallen apart inside the drum (maybe thats why the handbrake is bad) and that has allowed one of the pistons to movetoo far out of the brake cylinder and fluid has escaped and one one brake circuit is working now.

[qapmoc]

That should be - only one brake circuit is working now.

[Supernick]

Well, it's in the garage now, and they're unsure of the diagnosis at present. Initial suggestions are that a wheel cylinder has gone, but they don't know what's up with the handbrake. Sounds like a blow to the wallet though.

[stanleyman]

Probably a rear brake lining or pad broken up, this happened on my trailer a while back and it affected the other three brakes. Caused by metal lining particles rusting onto the drum, this didn't happen with the older asbestos linings.

[Supernick]

Phoned them and they're still working on it, but I could hear them in the background talking about the cylinder going and one of the shoes braking up. Am I going to be facing moderate or hefty bill do you think?

[Supernick]

They've actually now said that the brake lining has come away from the shoe, so they're replacing the shoe, and the near side rear wheel cylinder has gone. As for why the handbrake has failed at precisely the same moment they're not sure, so they'll be looking at it tomorrow.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

if as you say one of the rear linings broke up that would account for the handbrake,as it would need more pull up to engage.once the shoes are renewed it will go back to normal.