Brake problem

[Lee H]

Just bought a 1.3 SR runabout car and there is a problem with the brakes. There doesn't seem to be any servo assistance and if there is it is only very slight. Therefore have to stamp on the brakes to make the car stop as the pedal is solid. Looking under the bonnet, the servo and master cylinder both look nearly new so i'm wondering what the one way valve in the pipe from the servo to the inlet manifold does? Could this be causing my problem? Any other ideas?

Cheers
Lee

[Chris]

To check if your servo is working, with the engine off, pump the brakes and hold down the brake pedal then start the engine. You foot should now drop down. If it doesnt with the engine running disconnect the vacuum pipe from the servo and see if there is a vacuum there.

Chris

[Lee H]

Done this and the pedal gives but only very slightly, then when I pull the pipe out of the servo it does make a hissing noise!?!

[Chris]

yes and the car should start to run lumpy, Chris