nickla Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Hi, I've got a Focus Sport TDCI 2006. It recently developed an issue with the brakes where the pedal goes hard under repeated use. If I pump the pedal, the first push is ok and applies the brakes as expected, but subsequent pushes are hard, like the servo assist has dissapeared - the brakes still work but considerable force is required to push the pedal. It seems to recover after a few seconds, and I can then repeat the process. From what I have read it sounds like a vacuum problem, and my local mechanic ran some quick tests and suspects that a new brake servo is required (~£350 for the new part and ~£350 for the labour). But, he also thought there is a chance it is the vacuum pump. I don't want to spend £700 to fit a servo and find the problem is the pump instead. Can anyone give me some advice? Also, I notice that second-hand brake servos are quite common and I can easily source the correct part for my car - is fitting a second-hand servo a good option? Many thanks, Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MONDEO TXS 2.2 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 In addition to your suspicions - when was the brake fluid last changed ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickla Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 when was the brake fluid last changed ? I'm not sure as I don't have my service history to hand - I've kept up with the service schedule but I don't remeber seeing brake fluid change on the bill recently. I can check later today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MONDEO TXS 2.2 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 I'm not sure as I don't have my service history to hand - I've kept up with the service schedule but I don't remeber seeing brake fluid change on the bill recently. I can check later today. Every 2 years is the recommended interval 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickla Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 Could old brake fluid cause the problems I described? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MONDEO TXS 2.2 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Yes it could. & so could the issues you have already identified, so whatever the root cause, I'd change the brake fluid for optimal braking efficiency if not changed within the last 2 years. It's a service item like oil & filters etc & is often overlooked 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickla Posted January 11, 2016 Author Share Posted January 11, 2016 Brake fluid was done 22 months ago - so it's due a change, but not overdue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dezwez Posted January 11, 2016 Share Posted January 11, 2016 disconnect the vacuum hose engine running and see if it has suction on the hose if it does its the servo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stef123 Posted January 11, 2016 Share Posted January 11, 2016 Lack of vacuum or the servo. Brake fluid won't cause the pedal to go hard. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iantt Posted January 11, 2016 Share Posted January 11, 2016 What engine ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickla Posted January 11, 2016 Author Share Posted January 11, 2016 1.8 TDCI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickla Posted January 11, 2016 Author Share Posted January 11, 2016 The pump is creating vaccum - this has been tested. I think I will just bite the bullet and get a brand new servo fitted. While I'm tempted to try a second hand one the labour cost to fit it is quite high (350) so if the part is wrong or no good I'd end up paying at least that again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dezwez Posted January 11, 2016 Share Posted January 11, 2016 i think that's your best bet cant you supply your own parts make it a bit cheeper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigginchef Posted July 20, 2017 Share Posted July 20, 2017 I have same car and same fault. what was wrong with your car in the end? I went into ford today and was quoted over £500 for the servo and if it's another £350 for work then it's getting expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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