Brakes don't feel right and hissing. VS

[xavie]

Hi guys, I picked up a Cheap V8 VS (97 statesman) yesterday and I knew it had a few faults when I picked it up but thought I better start on the brakes. I don't have a manual yet but will try and pick one up tomorrow.

The brakes are not gripping, sometimes don't even like stopping and it just feels really wrong. I don't think it is normal that they hiss either? The hissing comes from near the brake pedal in the cabin.

I don't want to poke around until I get the manual but is this common? Maybe it is just adjustment but I doubt it.

Thanks in Advance,
Xav

[immortality]

the booster is stuffed. it will be like trying to brake a car when towing. no vacuum assist.

[Morton]

Yeah, sounds like a leaky booster. If you're lucky, something could just be disconnected or fouled... But it doesn't sound good for the brake booster

[xavie]

Thanks. I'll go and try to find it shortly and see if any thing visible. What sort of cash will I look at to get a new one and where should I get it?

[crazybiker]

Yeah, it's a booster.

My VN does it, but only at the maximum braking level, which we never hit anyway.

[xavie]

Well, I had a look. It looks totally brand new. And having a look at the sheet of recent work done it was only done a few months back.

Is the liquid inside meant to look like a brown oily colour?

I wonder if they need a bleed. That doesn't ad up to me because even when you pump them it doesn't help.

hmm.....

[Cheap6]

If the booster is new and not just cleaned up, does the valve (connected to the hose under the bonnet) to it also look new? You should get a new one with the booster I think but it's an easy thing to check. Or the hose back to the manifold?

[xavie]

I can definately hear a slight hissing i.e. air leak. from under the bonnet. Not sure if it is normal. Once it stops raining I'll have a better look.

[greenacc]

While your at it check the pads ... is there any pad left ?

[VrWagz1]

If your booster is leaking you should be easily able to check it by holding your foot on the pedal and then turning the engine off and feel if the pedal slowly sinks to the floor. Or when you stop the car, pop the bonnet after a few minutes and pull the plug out(i think its a 1 way valve too) of the booster with the hose attached to it and see if theres any pressure left in the booster. It should hold pressure if its any good