Hi,
left for work this cold and snowy morning. Had to pop into my local Sainsbury's and had a bit of fun with the handbrake in the snowy car park.
got to work fine, but after work found that my brakes were spongy as hell. Pedal went to the floor first press then stiffened up after a couple of presses.
unfortunately this happened every time I went to brake.
does anyone know what is the problem?

_________________
2005 X-Type (added by GGG)

 

Welcome to the forum Dave,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to X-Type forum. This is the place to post technical questions about your model.

Graham

 

You may have blown one half of your dual break system. I had that happen on an
old car. The pedal went mostly to the floor and the breaking was poor but it did
stop. Looking back to where it happened showed a splotch of break fluid on the road.
Made it home OK but going slowly.

Have a look to see if your break fluid reservoir is low or empty. If so then fill
it up and try the breaks and the leak should reveal itself.

Pete.

 

or brake fluid even

 

Thanks for your replies, spoke to the previous owner today and he said that the rear brake hoses were an advisory on last mot, so am gonna buy some braided hoses and replace the brake fluid and see if that fixes it. I will update when done.
dave

 

What would be best brake fluid to put in? I can be quite generous with my braking so may need something a bit stronger

 

Welcome to the forum Dave.

 

Only use specified fluid. My understanding is use of ANY other fluid destroys the seals quickly.

 

Sorry about the late reply. Had an absolute nightmare with the jaguar locking wheel nuts and the key lost by previous owner. They have been finally removed and braided hoses are now fitted and bled thoroughly. But my brakes are still spongy. The clutch is fine so don't think it's that part of system. No visible leaks anywhere either.

 

Have you checked the brake booster hose (booster to top of manifold with the bulging valve in the middle)? That leaking can cause soft brakes, although that usually throws a code.

 

What's the best way to check the booster valve for leaks. I'm gonna drain the brake system and completely replace the fluid tommorrow.

 

If you know how to bleed the brakes, I'd do it yourself. I don't recall what fluid the X-Type requires but it's on the refill lid. You can use better fluid, but the only difference is the level of temperature it can handle and I doubt you will be pushing the car that hard and consistently to overheat them.

As far as spongy, bleeding and changing fluid as mentioned above is usually the place to start. Fluid does go bad eventually as it can absorb water and air in the line will cause your symptoms. Looking for/listening for vacuum leaks as also mentioned is also a good idea. The final thing would be to replace the master cylinder as it could be going bad as well.

 

And so the saga continues. Tried to flush the system today. Didn't expell the old fluid too well. Managed to bleed the rear right brake completely with new fluid. Then had issues with rear left and front right. Didn't want to bleed at all. Even took nipple out and still nothing coming through. Booster pipe ok though and no leakage from master cylinder either

 

if you have issues take to the dealer for a complete flush but don't say your brakes are spongy