Off-topic - Falcon brake problem

[BobsYourUncle]

I've posted this on another forum (whirlpool), but I'm looking for some quick theories, so I'll post here too (hope that's alright ).

 

I've just experienced a soft pedal on my 2005 BAII. I was doing highway driving, had probably done 40kms with minimal braking (and no issues), when all of a sudden my brake pedal went soft. The brakes still stopped fairly well. I checked the fluid, which was fine, and I couldn't see any leaks. After sitting around for a bit waiting for the towtruck, the pedal came back.

 

So my question is, what can cause this, other than overheating fluid? And what would make fluid overheat when I'm not using the brakes very much? I can't feel anything that would indicate that the brakes were sticking as I was driving to heat them up. I've been for a few quick laps around the block, with no issues...

 

Any ideas?

[Zeddophile]

Perhaps this?

 

http://www.caradvice.com.au/2892/ford-falcon-ba-bf-brake-hose-recall/

 

Or, if the ABS uses an accumulator to store pressure for the system, that could be on the way out, in which case it will hold less pressure for less time.

 

There are other things that can cause a soft pedal, but given your symptoms I think we can rule out things like pad knockoff etc.

[BobsYourUncle]

I think the brake hoses have been replaced. I flushed the system this morning and drove home (~75kms) with no problems. I'm going to get a brake specialist to look at it this week.

[peter mc]

think the abs unit can have this fault from memory

[Wayne G]

When the master cylinder bypasses internally you get a soft pedal and no fluid loss however because the pedal came good once cooled down it indicates heat related issue ie fluid boil. maybe the brake are lightly dragging?