Hi All,

 

This is my first post so please be nice haha! I have a 1990 Mk2 polo Ranger pre facelift on a H reg I have owned her for just over 8 years now and I love it.

This afternoon on my way home from work some idiot basically done an emergency stop in front of me so I really had to push the breakes to get it stop as I was doing about 40mph. But when I pushed really hard on the pedal I heard like a loud crack/splinter sound this is the only time I have ever heard this the car is running fine and the brakes are working ok I tried to emergency stop about 3 times since at various speeds and it hasnt done it since.

 

The only thing I have noticed the pedal is seeming righer up and it wont travel as much as usual before its solid and you cant push down as far. The car hasnt had new brake drums/disks for about 4 years I think off the top of my head.

 

I was wondering if anyone may know what maybe going on as its worried me slighly as I dont want to be in any danger plus I dont want to damage the car as just had a new Head, Dizzy and a load of other stuff I really want to keep it running.

 

Kindest Regards,

Lewis

get a torch out and look up at the pedal box to see if its cracked

Hiya, just been out and had a look nothing appears to be damaged that I can see the pedal pushes against a plastic button looking thing that goes through into the engine bay I would immagine this goes to the master cylinder ( I think thats what its called) Everything looks just fine as it should do with no damage, nothing has snapped and falled into the floor pan either.

 

The brake fluid hasnt been changed for a very long time I dont think I have ever had it done since owning the car since 2008 could this cause an issue? I know the back brakes have a self adjusters on them so could it just be I need new drums or disks?

 

 

Wonder if the drum brake shoe adjuster wedges moved a notch while you braked.

 

The wedges look like small coffins, with serrated edge. As the shoes wear down the adjusters are pulled deeper by a spring into a gap taking up more space by design.

Normally they move when at next serrated point and you release after braking. Sudden change in braking force might work like a trigger. Just a theory.

Number 2.

 

 

Does the brake fluid look dark? It should look clear to golden. Get the fluid changed.

Really every two years no matter what miles covered.

 

The fluid absorbs moisture over time (and darkens as it does so) at brake fluid reservoir. So, under hard braking that water boils into steam and compresses. The brake fluid (essentially a vegetable oil) should not compress.

 

Rear drums last ages (I'm on 2nd set) , but shoes about 20000 miles in my experience. Brake slave servo in drums can pop a gasket and leak when old, so look out for sticky fluid at rear wheels..

Edited 30 December, 20169 yr by dvderlm