Excess travel in the pedal can be caused by lack of adjustment (Drum brakes) or worn Pads or disks. These can be checked later in external checks with the wheel off if necessary.
A spongey brake pedal reveals air in the system which must be removed from the system by bleeding
Look for signs of fluid leakage around the base of the pedal (Stains on the carpet etc)
Pump the brakes a few time and then press you foot on the pedal and start the engine. The pedal should move down slightly as the brake servo is engaged. If the pedal does not move this can mean a faulty servo or a leak in the vacuum pipe from the engine (Inlet manifold) to the servo.
Make sure that the pedal is secure and does not have excess travel from side to side
BRAKES
Inside the car
Anti-lock braking system (if fitted) Warning lamp is checked for:
• Function.
• Sequence of operation. Footbrake
• Reserve travel on the footbrake so
that it does not go down to the floor
• Pedal rubber not worn to excess
• Correct operation of the servo assistance
system.
Reserve brake
This could be a handbrake or a footbrake.
Checked for reserve travel so that it does not reach the stops on
application.
The mountings will be checked for security and /or corrosion.
Under bonnet checks
• Master cylinder and servo unit
are checked for fluid leaks with the engine on and the brakes applied.
• Servo unit will be checked to ensure
it is operating correctly.
• Visible metal or flexible brake pipes
will be checked for corrosion, condition, breakages or leaks.
Electronic parking brake
Electronic parking brake controls are now included and must be present
and not inappropriately repaired or modified - repair obviously
likely to adversely affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle or
modification that has seriously weakened the component.
(The ?inappropriately repaired or modified? check is to be applied
to a wide range of systems and components throughout the vehicle.)
The car will fail if an Electronic Parking Brake warning lamp is
illuminated to indicate a malfunction.
Under Vehicle checks
With an assistant applying load to the
footbrake:
• Flexible brake pipes and any other
metal brake pipes visible beneath the car are checked
• Disks and drums checked for condition
and contamination
• Brake back plates and calliper securing
devices are checked for condition and security
• Condition of
the brake pads will be checked if visible
• An assistant
operates the handbrake while the condition of the linkages and/or
cables is checked.
• On some vehicles there will be a brake
compensating valve beneath the car which will need to be inspected
for fluid leaks
Brake performance
check
The performance of the front and rear brakes will be checked for
efficiency and balance using specialised equipment.
More Information About Brakes >>>
More Information about Braking System >>>
Bleeding the brakes >>>
Changing brake pads/Discs >>>