1986 240Dl wagon braking problem !

RichyRich514 · Post by **RichyRich514** » 18 Oct 2007, 19:17

ever since i bought the car which was less then 2 months ago the brake pedal seemed soft but the previous owner changed the rear pads and discs not the front so i thoguth it was alright then today i back out start driving get to a red light and there was no pressure in the pedal at all it went to the floor then i pumped the brake and it went back to normal !

what can be the problem ?!

thanks in advance!

Post by **sseir39** » 19 Oct 2007, 07:20

If you just replaced a set of pads you moved the pistons back into the caliper. This would cause the pedal to go to the floor without first pumping the brakes. Could be air in the system if it has not been bled.

RichyRich514 · Post by **RichyRich514** » 19 Oct 2007, 11:48

i dont knoe what the previous owner did but im guessing theres air in the system.

wojeepster · Post by **wojeepster** » 19 Oct 2007, 18:35

You may have a worn master cylinder, allowing brake fluid to go past the seals. If after bleeding you can press down slowly and put pedal to floor this may be the case. If you need one check around prices vary widely when I replaced mine I bought a rebuilt unit for $23 and three years later it still works fine. Other stores wanted $185

RichyRich514 · Post by **RichyRich514** » 20 Oct 2007, 12:46

yeah today i got into the car and without even turning the car on the brake goes to the floor slowly!

so does this mean for sure its a worm master cylinder?

since i dont have a shop of my own anymore at the moment i have to go to someone elses garage and i dont plan on paying somoene a 100$ for a diagnosis and estimate of how much and what is needs .

so if it is the master cylinder ill buy one myself and get them to install it for me .

so is that the problem?

RichyRich514 · Post by **RichyRich514** » 21 Oct 2007, 20:57

swingline · Post by **swingline** » 21 Oct 2008, 21:05

i am having a similar problem. IPD sells this http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-200/Brakes/ ... 9-255-426/
for bleeding brake lines. maybe this would be a place to start to know for sure if its air in your lines creating your problem.

anyone know if a fruit tree sprayer from lowes would do the same thing with an adaptor?

Post by **billofdurham** » 22 Oct 2008, 12:31

so is that the problem?

Not necessarily. If you haven't bled the brakes then it could still be air in the system which would also allow the pedal to go to the floor. If you are sure there is no air in the system then it probably is a worn master cylinder.

anyone know if a fruit tree sprayer from lowes would do the same thing with an adaptor?

It depends on the working pressure of the sprayer. Most power brake bleeders work at about 25 psi.

Bill.

swingline · Post by **swingline** » 24 Oct 2008, 06:28

thanks bill, i went and ordered the pressure bleeder. i bet a fruit sprayer would work but i want to do this right the first time.

richyrich i have not done the work yet but from what i have read it does not seem like a very serious thing to bleed your lines and install a master cylinder if you need it. couple bolts and two hoses and thats it.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 24 Oct 2008, 07:13

I have the pressure bleeder and it really makes the job much easier...money well spent!