Here is the scene EXACTLY :

I start up my diesel Transit and drive down the steep(ish) 30m drive. Brake at the bottom (no prob). Along the flat to next junction 200m, brake (no prob). Pull out and have to make a turn almost immediately needing brakes again.... None there !!

When I say 'none there' specifically i mean, the pedal travel is unrestricted more or less all the way to the floor. There is no resistance on the pedal, and only the very last inch has any braking effect. I come to a halt and check under bonnet for loose servo pipe, lack of brake fluid etc... But everything OK.

I turn around and retrace my journey, testing he brakes with my available left foot as and when... still nothing....
I turn up my steep(ish) drive requiring first gear, and swing the corner at the top doing about 5 mph. Push the brake pedal instinctively and..... IT'S ALL THERE AGAIN !!!

What can have happened - can it happen again ???

Many thanks

Trevor, June 2007

just on the net searching for master brake cylinder ,came across your question.smae happend to me,brakes,no brakes,now finally complete loss of breakes.seals in the master cylinder worn plus cylinder bore surface pitted.make sure your handbrake is working well,just in case! mish

Mish, June 2007

if it only happens when you turn steering and then apply brakes i suspect that you have excess play in a front wheel bearing!

k, June 2007

Sounds like brake fade to me.

MrMPuk, June 2007

It might be a bypassing master cylinder .....

bg, June 2007