Hey Guys.
Wondering if anyone could offer any help here...the brakes failed at the weekend on my 2001 Fiat Seicento 899cc.

The handbrake light came on even when the handbrake was off and after driving home from where I was (20 miles ish ... brakes were fine on this journey but light was on)...next time I got in the car the brakes weren't working at all...the pedal presses right to the floor.

Anyone any ideas on what could be the problem? I've checked and there is still brake fluid in the reservoir but they're still not working ... I've heard that the handbrake could be sticking and therefore binding on the drum and therefor poss evaporating some of the fluid? I'm not that well up on it so any help is much appreciated.

Cheers,
James

Upon research it turns out this is also low brake fluid light ... a case of just top it up?

top the fluid up, pump the brakes until there is pressure and then get someone else to pump whilst you find the leak. when was the fluid last changed, is it still clear?

You've lost the fluid somewhere,so look for dripping brake fluid, possibly inside a rear drum.

When were the brakes last serviced?

Cheers

SPD

I couldn't tell you to be honest...its shared with my mum and I'm not totally sure about when they were last serviced before I was using it etc.

Had a look and can't seem to see a leak...not topped up the fluid.

The handbrake has been binding though and it was being done this weekend anyway (something ceases up...thats all I know) so could it be that this has happened, the brake fluid has heated up and evaporated, therefore being the reason for a loss of fluid?

Think when you do you hand brake, you should top it up then bleed it, and once the drums is off look at the rear brake cylinder very carefully. As there could be a really slow leak there!

Ming

It would be more like a piston leak and airlock in the piston.

I would think anyway.

Thanks

JamesTGP said:

I couldn't tell you to be honest...its shared with my mum and I'm not totally sure about when they were last serviced before I was using it etc.

Had a look and can't seem to see a leak...not topped up the fluid.

The handbrake has been binding though and it was being done this weekend anyway (something ceases up...thats all I know) so could it be that this has happened, the brake fluid has heated up and evaporated, therefore being the reason for a loss of fluid?

Click to expand...

NO.

If brake fluid ever evaporates we're all in big troudle. Its highly inflammable though.

1) You really shouldn't drive a car that you know needs work, particularly brake work.

2) Any red light on the dash means 'stop', just like a traffic light. Its not rea because its a fashionable colour, its red for a reason.

You might find wet things when you take the drums off. Make sure you either have new shoes or can get them when you have the drums off.

Cheers

SPD

SPD ... I've not driven the car since this happened, I knew the handbrake was binding for a few days but presumed it was just the cable needed adjusting or similar until I read this morning on here.

Thanks for the help guys ... we're going to have a look later this afternoon so will report findings.

Someone else suggested a leaking brake cylinder to me too so I'll look at that.

as you havent driven for a while have a peek on the inside of the wheels so lok for any we spot ans check the gap between the moisture, i did this the other day and that's what i noticed


the reason at first glance it looks like there is brake fluid is due to the tandem design, if you have a look into the back of the brake fluid container past the little divider and its more then likely not there

I've no brake fluid to hand to fill up (need to go get some) but what should I be looking for? There's a slight oily patch where one of the wheels is (rear left)...no way to check if it's brake fluid though.

Without taking wheels off I can't see any obvious leaks.

Anything else to check?

JamesTGP said:

I've no brake fluid to hand to fill up (need to go get some) but what should I be looking for? There's a slight oily patch where one of the wheels is (rear left)...no way to check if it's brake fluid though.

Without taking wheels off I can't see any obvious leaks.

Anything else to check?

Click to expand...

Whay can't you check its brake fluid? Its either that or dog ****. I am told they taste different.

It probably is, so while your out, get a cylinder, a set of shoes, length of brake pipe (measure the amount, get it made up) and possibly a pair of drums and a cable if the history not knwn.

Cheers

SPD

We filled the brake fluid up and noticed a small leak in the rear left brake pipe...

Going to take the pipe off at the weekend and go and get one made up and hopefully be able to get it done early next week.

Thanks

OK, so between now and the weekend apply a dose of Plus gas or similar to the connections at least twice a day.

Cheers

SPD