My (cursed) Mondeo TDCi has a strange brake problem, that no one seems to be able to identify.

Sometimes (8 times out of 10) a press of the brake pedal results in a normal feel pedal and normal brakes - but sometimes the pedal is very soft and long, and a second pump is required to make the brakes work. There's no consistency to it, and the long pedal can occur at random.

Then, sometimes, especially when going slowly (but not always) the pedal 'activates' right at the very top of its travel and feels really 'gritty', almost ABS like.

Any one got any ideas?