Just had my 1994 Transit 2.5D fail its MOT at an independent (no
repairs) place I always use, on "Brake pedal has no servo assistance".
This suprised me as I was not aware of any problem and the brake servo
seemed to be working correctly to me.
So, took it to the top of a big hill and let it roll down slowly, kept
applying the brakes. After about 4 or 5 pushes the hissing as you
press stops and it starts to get harder and harder to brake.
Start the engine with my foot on the pedal, pedal goes down and brakes
pressure comes back to normal.
All pretty normal as far as I can see.

So took it to a garage I've used before and they were equally
sceptical there was anything wrong at all. Did comment when they saw
who'd tested it "oh not them, they're failing anything and everything
at the moment!".

Went back to the MOT station and spoke to the tester. He said he'd
failed it because when you start the engine the brake pedal doesn't go
down.
He got in and showed me what he meant. When he started the engine he
said the pedal didn't move, but I could see his foot going down! When
I pointed this out he changed his story to "yes but it isn't going
down ENOUGH".

So it seems like it's failed on his subjective opinion as to how far
it should go down. Another tester then came and also had a look. He
seemed less sure, and said to the first tester when he thought I was
out of ear shot "don't forget this is a diesel mate, not a petrol.
They're different".

But even though the 2nd tester didn't seem quite convinced and agreed
with me that the pedal did go down when you start the engine, he
didn't seem to want to openly disagree with his colleague.

Still got a fail. Problem is, how do I fix it if neither me or the
other garage can find anything wrong?

So...

Should I just take it somewhere else?

Is this sort of think a common fault on Transits does anyone know and
if so what's the likely problem?

Why should it be different if it's diesel rather than petrol.

There are only 3 components that can affect this, pump, servo and pipe
between the two. I've checked the pipe and all connections for leaks.
Nothing found.

I would add I've no particular gripe with the place itself. They were,
as always, very helpful, but I'm still stuck with a fault I don't know
how to cure.

BobC

"BobC" <bobcoates (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote


Ask for an appeal form. He'll more than likely change his mind on the fail
and offer a free retest.

BobC wrote:


If the transits just been driven ono the ramp stopped and restarted the
brake pedal will not travel very far if at all , to be tested correctly
the pedal should be depressesd several times before restarting the
engine



--

steve robinson wrote:

Zakly. From the description given it sounds like a rubbish tester. Going
elsewhere for a test is probably the quickest option, complaining to
VOSA is probably the more correct option.

John

On 6 Apr, 14:07, "BobC" <bobcoa... (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:
*** Update ***

Thanks for the replies chaps. The matter has now been concluded by him
having a change of heart and now passing it!

I fixed another item he'd (correctly) failed it on and took it back.
Told him I'd fixed the one problem but had not fixed the other because
I'd investigated thoroughly but could not find a fault!!!
So, how can I fix summat that ain't wrong!

He suggested he took it out for a test run to see what it felt like on
the road, and when he came back he agreed everything seemed to be
perfectly OK, and decided he would now pass it.

Whatever, it's now passed so matter resolved.

BobC

"John Greystrong" <johnny_g (AT) ntlworld (DOT) com> wrote

Forget the testing at another station unless John Greystrong is going give
you the test money.
The garage tester probably was a bit over zealous (not rubbish) - no need to
complain to the VOSA yet either - take it back and ask him to have another
look, saying politely I know you are the tester but I think you may have got
this wrong. Ask him how it can be fixed if he disagrees.

To test a servo one is suppose to start the engine with foot on the brake
pedal, the brake pedal is then suppose to sink slightly - I have a feeling
the tester has found a fault though if it was the servo you would have known
about this before him.

Fluke

"fluke" <noaddress as yet (AT) ntlworld (DOT) com> wrote

Thinks you'll find this has been concluded satisfactory. To test a
servo one is first suppose to deplete the remaining vacuum before
starting engine. If, as indicated, he failed to do that then I would
agree that the tester is rubbish. Over zealous would be, for e.g,
failing the MoT on a dirty number plate when a quick wipe with a rag
would suffice. Failing an item which is not faulty goes beyond over
zealous.