I don't expect you guys to help me with such short notice, but worth a try:

I have my MOT tomorrow. My car hasn't moved for a good 2 months now. Came to drive it today, only to find that the brake pedal is massively firm. Almost as if there is no vacuum assistance. Sometimes there is assistance though: and then it gets firm again after a couple of pushes.

I think the vacuum servo may have gone. Could this happen with the car stood still? It drove fine last time I drove it (to a friends house, not on a rally or anything).

Any suggestions? All the pipes seems to be firmly on. I also tried the test in the Haynes manual, and there seems to be a tiny bit of movement when I depress the pedal and start the car. A mean tiny though.

Thanks

Matt

Sounds more like something else in the brake system might be sticking. I'd be jabbing away at that pedal until dawn or something leaks from somewhere.

I've had the pads off, just to check they weren't contaminated. No dice there.

Think I will bleed the full system tomorrow. If fluid comes through OK, then it's something at one of the ends I guess.

The rear driver side wheel seems to be binding a bit. Could this be something to do with it mac?

Thanks

Matt

Mine had a front caliper sticking which gave a similar pedal feel, it barely moved. Can you drive it for a while? Go for a fair drive, just normal stuff, and then park up and put a hand near each wheel. That'll tell you if one or more brakes have bound. Also, my wheel cylinders were nakerd as well. After replacing those, all was well.

Also common is the vacuum pipe from the engine collapsing in the middle or at the ends. Sometime cutting the ends off can sort it.

Sorry guys, forgot to reply to this in my usually lackadaisical manner.

Ride_on was right in the end! The vacuum pipe take-off from the engine had collapsed internally. How bizzare is that? The exterior was perfect. Sorted now anyway and the car flew through it's MOT

Will update my thread soon with the new incarnation of the car

Nice work dude.

300 series 'normal' rubber does not last well. It either goes hard, distorted or tears. Injection hoses and brake seals are ok, window seals not too bad, but everything else really needs changing once every 10 years minimum.