Intermittent Brake Issue

[-_D]

Hello,
I have an '87 Golf with some on and off brake issues - possibly related to driving with the hand-brake on (so stupid).

Anyhow, the issue is that sometimes when I press the brake pedal it feels "cushioned" and reacts right away, and other times I have to push the pedal in all the way and the car very gradually slows to a stop. In both instances the brakes do not make a noise, and are smooth (no grinding or vibrating).

My mechanic friend is busy for Canadian Thanksgiving, so I thought I might as well get some insight while I'm waiting to get it checked out.

Thanks.

[ainokea]

Sounds like you need the brakes bled correctly.

Ainokea

[-_D]

Hey!
Thanks for the suggestion.
Now I'm stumped.
Looking at the sheets of parts I had new lines, drums, calipers all done by the mechanic.
Drove well from the mechanic home, but driving into town again I am still having the same issues. So I have no clue what to do!

[Raffi]

Having the same issue. Check your master cylinder and wheel cylinder for leaks. If not leaks, then do a bleed. If you still have the same problem, change the master cylinder. It's the cheapest fix with the most likely results. Also make sure you're vacuum hoses are intact.

[-_D]

New master cylinder solved my brake problems!