Brakes - is it master cylinder???

[dank]

Just wanted some info if you guys can help

Have lost heaps of pressure on the brake pedal. I nearly have to push it to the floor to engage the brakes. With my hand brake on half way i don't have to push the pedal as far but its still hard work stopping the car. I have bled the brakes and there are no leaks...

Is it the master cylinder?

obviously i need to get this fixed asap!

cheers
Dan

[Aerenandmel]

good chance ur master cylinder needs to be rebuilt

[joeblow]

i'd look at your booster and rear shoe clearances.damn i hate rear drums!

[joshnz1]

rear brakes could need adjustment.
rear wheel cylinders could be leaking

[dank]

wheres the adjustment for the rear brake shoes? I've had plenty of experience with discs but don't know much about drum brake adjustment. I'm going to pull off the wheels and have a look in the morning so it would be good to know exactly what i'm looking for. THanks for the super quick replies!
cheers
dan

[joeblow]

there is a little half circle ratchet device joining the two shoes.adjust outwards until you have to use a little effort to get the brake drum on.

[Aerenandmel]

here goes.... dont know how correct this method but it was the way I was shown and it works for me....jack the rear wheel off the ground.
there is a little hole on the back of the drum, you can ajust the brakes with a flat head screw driver by putting the screw driver through the hole and pushing the ajustment wheel round to tighten or lossen the brake pads. I can't remenber which way tightens and which way loosens. tighten the pads up untill u can just feel them restricting the wheel from turning freely, then back them off a tad.

[christover1]

Maybe clamp off the rear brake line, the soft bit, and if pedal is then good, you know it's likely to be a rear brake problem.
As hand brake is junked, it's likely to be a rear issue.
If still crappy, clamp off each front line, till you find the problem.
Wheel bearing problems can imitate brake probs, too.
rear wheel cylinders are a regular problem, along with rear shoes, as mud kills them.
masters are not a common issue, have never had 1 die yet.

I hate drums too

christover

[dank]

well i sorted the brake issue out.

turns out when i went down bullock link and got stuck in the boghole there and winched out, the thick gooey mud got into my rear brake drums. It was full to capacity with dried mud! bloody drums!

Also the brake shoes were down to the metal!

I ordered some new brake shoes and when i went to put them on they had too much brake pad on them. I adjusted the shoes in as far as they could go and then managed to squeeze on the drums and put it back together and with the wheel jacked up i could hardly turn the wheel (yes it was in neutral handbrake off!). So i drove it around the corner to the brake shop and the guy said either replace them or drive around till they wear down a bit....so at the moment I'm driving around and they are wearing down slowly....first few times they smelt pretty bad and there was a fair bit of heat but they seem to be alright now.

Anyway if you are replacing the rear shoes make sure the new pads aren't too thick...

oh...and my handbrake finally works!