Hi peeps

I have posted up here before about the brakes being really spongy. Now they are spongy again and I don't know what has done it this time

The first time the car failed mot with naff brakes the rear shoes were changed and the cylinders were replaced aswell. The brake system was also bled and the brakes seemed ok.
A month or so later the car failed mot again with shit brakes. So the master cylinder changed and the brakes were bled again.
Car eventually got through mot but the day after the brakes were spongy again!

Now I haven't got a clue as to why they have knackered up again and I don't have a clue as to how!
There seems to be no leaking as the reservoir is at the same level all the time. I have been told that the ABS could have something to do with it! How?
If I had lots of hair, I would be pulling it out by now. But as there isn't much left I have to suffer lol

The car is a MK4 Cabriolet with an RS conversion done before I got it.

Any help/ideas/hints/tips etc would be greatly appreciated, even if it means how much petrol to use! lol

Thanks peeps

 

How old is the fluid you are using, how old are the flexi's, these could be bulging aggravating the situtation, is the e brake off whilst bleeding the brakes ?
tabetha

 

No handbrake on whilst bleeding and the fluid is new. As for hose's not sure tbh

 

as per tabetha's advice you've replaced everything else so id try new flxi's or braided if you feeling flush, really cant be much else , can see frustration tho id be pissed of by now aswell

 

Its getting to a stage that do I keep it or not lol

So ABS shouldn't effect it then? Its justthat as neither you or Tabetha had mentioned it.

 

Basically apply this method and you shouldnt go far wrong in identifying the problem:-

1) Check fluid level and condition of fluid.
2) Check master cylinder for leaks.
3) Check all brake pipes for leaks.
4) Check the calipers and rear cylinders for leaks.
5) Check the condition of the flexi pipes - if you still have rubber ones seriously think of upgrading to braided. Def worth the cash and stops the pipes flexing under pressure.
6) Check the rear load valves (if you car has them) - they may well have seized and only let a small amount of fluid through as well as possibly trapping air in the system giving the spongy feel on the pedal.
7) Check the abs modulators (in the engine bay behind the engine)

I know you have replaced/changed some of the above but always worth checking again.

If all the above is ok - bleed your system and remember

a) Leave the handbrake off
b) Make sure the car is level and under load especially if load valves fitted to the rear when bleeding.