FIAT - Van 03 1.9 hard brake pedal

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Mon 12 Oct 2009 19:29
Van 03 1.9 hard brake pedal - T.T
i just changed my brake cylinders on my van. i've blead both rear brakes. now sometimes usually when i start the van and go the pedal goes hard and i have near enough no brakes. but then they go back to normal ??? any ideas wud be great cheers

{if you let me know what model of Van, I can edit into the header for you - DD}

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 12/10/2009 at 20:21

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Mon 12 Oct 2009 20:50
Van 03 1.9 hard brake pedal - piston power
Did you bleed all four nipples front and rear?

Working from furthest one away from master cylinder?

Have you adjusted up the rear shoes because this is what gives good pedal & travel & stopping performance.?
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Mon 12 Oct 2009 21:08
Van 03 1.9 hard brake pedal - T.T
no i only blead the two rears. didnt think id need to to the front 2 ill give it a go. i didnt adjust the rear shoes the handbrake was solid, just seems strange how they start off not working then when i start moving there fine.
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Mon 12 Oct 2009 21:10
Van 03 1.9 hard brake pedal - piston power
Those back brakes need a proper inspection if the handbrake is seized the shoes won't move correctly don't bodge it it's your life here or worse it could be mine if they fail.!
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Mon 12 Oct 2009 22:04
Van 03 1.9 hard brake pedal - Peter D
Is this a diesel. It is strting to sound as though you are loosing vacuum thus the hard but inneffective pedal. Regards Peter
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Mon 12 Oct 2009 22:23
Van 03 1.9 hard brake pedal - bathtub tom
It almost seems like (assuming it's a diesel) the vacuum pump is slow to get going.

Is the vacuum pump driven by an auxiliary belt that's a little slack, perhaps? Maybe also driving the alternator?
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Tue 13 Oct 2009 00:39
Van 03 1.9 hard brake pedal - piston power
Did you have this problem before you fitted the wheel cylinders or after?
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Tue 13 Oct 2009 10:56
Van 03 1.9 hard brake pedal - Peter.N.
I would agree with the vacuum idea, sounds as though the servo isn't working.
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