I got a shock when stopping at lights in my beetle, the brake pedal started sinking towards the floor and I almost didn't stop in time! I drove very carefully for the rest of the journey. I found that pumping the pedal would keep it "firmer" and help me stop, but if I didn't pump it then the pedal would sink lower and the car would keep rolling.
Interestingly, I also noticed that the pedal doesn't sink once the car is already stopped, it only sinks while the car is still moving.
What is causing this?
1959 red & white Beetle
1975 Kombi camper
I would say You have a leak in Your braking system...
I'm not sure why it only does it when moving...
Maybe a wheel brake cylinder is moving with the brake drum going round and thats when the wheel cylinder cups are leaking....
check inside your wheel rims.....
the only way the brake pedal can go down is to lose brake fluid.....
If its not a wheel cylinder, it either a hose thats perished due to old age... or the master cylinder which is what You push when You push in the pedal....
All these items can be bought at Mick Motors...
not expensive either...
I replaced all these things when I restored My beetle...
cheers
Lee
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---
I would allso check the adjustment of your brakes aswell.
The rear drums and if you have front drums them aswell
Marc
If you can't laugh at yourself you can't laugh at anyone else! Because life is to short not to LAUGH
Had a similar problem with the brakes on my '63. Replaced master cylinder, all four wheel cylinders, flushed the brake system, and it ended up being a perished brake hose that was leaking fluid. Not surprising considering the car had been sitting for the past 2 years
Had a similar problem in an old Jeep I had many years ago, turned out to be worn master cylinder seals - replaced them and had no trouble after that.
Far out it seems it maybe any part of the brake system from the pedal to the shoes. Thorough inspection required for sure. - NOW.
