5 replies to this topic

[OllyGW]

Hello, 

 

My brakes have been getting progressively worse through the last month and it has got to the point where my pedal hits the floor. So i inspected the front brakes and found the slave cylinders (Wheel cylinder) are quite greased up and gooky. I flipped up the rubber seal and there was a golden yellow sludge? have purchased new brake pads but don't want to fit them if the cylinders are fluffed. So i was wondering if anyone could help me out? do i need new cylinders or is it my master cylinder that fluffed? Could a faulty wheel cylinder cause air to get in the system and cause the pedal to hit the floor?

 

I have recently had the rear brake shoes and cylinders replaced so they are fine.

 

Really unsure and any help would be much appreciated.

 

Regards Olly. 

[dyshipfakta]

Slaves sound spent too I would replace them. Hopefully will fix your issue will need a good bleed though.

[timmy850]

If the front wheel cylinders are gunky yellow they are probably rusted and scored on the bores. This could be causing them to leak fluid. Any small leak in the lines will make the pedal go soft. I'd replace the cylinders, and the rubber flexi hoses too if they look old. Then bleed it all properly, fit the new shoes and adjust them up right. Your master cylinder may be also part of the problem, it's hard to tell from the description. 

 

It's not worth going cheap and trying to save money on your brakes, do it once and do it right 

[Spider]

Hello, 

 

 I flipped up the rubber seal and there was a golden yellow sludge?

Regards Olly. 

 

Hey Oily,

 

Sounds like you've a terrible infect there mate!

 

Anyways, regarding your brakes, you maybe able to clean up the cylinders, hone them and fit new seals, but from my own experience, when they get to this point, they are usually karput, as timmy has mention ^ so new wheel cylinders might well be in order.

[peter-b]

A lot of people go to the trouble of replacing cylinders and just bleed the air out. You need to flush the system or drain and refill. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and if its old, you might as well be running water in it. Fluid needs regular replacement.

[dklawson]

As above, new wheel cylinders and a complete flush of the system (all four corners).  Brake and clutch fluid needs to be changed every few years.  

 

Start with the wheel cylinders and if you are lucky the system will be fine again.  Remember to spend the time getting the shoes adjusted right or your brake pedal will continue to sink to the floor.  If new wheel cylinders and flushing/bleeding the brakes does not address the "pedal to the floor" problem, I would consider replacing the master cylinder.