You have a bad accumulator now... same thing happened to me when I bought a used pump. They said it was "rebuilt" which should mean the accumulator is fine... Basically what is happening is that the accumulator is no longer accepting a charge and the system is pressurized very quickly as a result. The moment you push the brakes, the pressure is released and instantly pumped back up, rather than stored for multiple applications. There is a possibility you have a bad pressure switch, but I doubt it. Here is a little website I made not to long ago when I did my pump. Information might be missing, but its what I've got so far: http://www.yourwebdesigns.com/abpmp/index.html

 

as i thought the pump is bad.
but now the used pump has a bad accumulator.the pump charges up the pressure ball and runs after you hit the brakes a few times to build pressure back up in reserve .the pump wii burn out if you dont replace it soon.
BE VERY CAREFULL WHEN REPLACING IT!!.IT HAS ALOT OF PRESSURE INIT.
SHUT OFF THE KEY OR DISCONECT PLUG AND PUMP BRAKE PEDAL OVER 20 TIMES TO RELEIVE PRESSURE THEN YOU CAN DISCONNECT IT AND REPLACE.

 

Thanks Scott for the confirmation and the link - which I looked at incidentally, before exchanging the pump - it's very helpful.

And 'specialist' thanks for the warning on the pressure. I sort of thought that without an accumulator there would be little pressure - but even a little pressure can be dangerous. (I've heard that before somewhere)

Can either of you tell me about the washer/ seal. My man says it only comes with a new accumulator but he thinks it is only a rubber 'O' ring- the sort of thing you can get from a plumbers merchant.

What's your opinion?

CJ (Alan)

 

I wouldn't buy a used accumulator... they are just a perishable part that usually goes bad every 3 to 4 years. Might as well get a new one, saw some new ones on ebay for $200 from reputable sellers. I've heard of them going for cheaper else where though. Your in the UK and I've seen them go pretty cheap over there. The only problem with using a plumbing washer, is the brake fluid is very corrosive and might eat away at it later down the road. If you want, the existing washer should work fine if its not mangled or cracking.

 

Hi Scott,

I wouldn't buy a used accumulator, it's just that I have one sitting on top of the old pump and it seems worthwhile giving it a try. If it doesn't work, I'll order a new one straight away; I can get one over here for just over £100.

I had a telephone chat to a mate of my brother the other evening. I don't know the guy that well but I would like to share ...

Firstly, brake fluid is like a magnet to water and will absorb it as soon as look at it. When you bleed the brakes (on any car) the first 'squirt' will be a bit like treacle. This is the bit that has absorbed the water and, because water is heavier than oil, 'sunk to the bottom' of the system.

If you haven't changed your brake fluid for some time (most of us?), this is what happens. Recommendation; whenever you change your pads/ linings, bleed through a decent amount of fluid at each wheel to get rid of this 'treacle'.

Secondly, if you have a stubborn bit of air in the system that you don't seem to be able to shift, you need to leave your system pressurised overnight with the valves open. On a Rangie, the procedure is (AND I HAVE NOT TRIED THIS!) start the engine, move the front seat back as far as it will go, place a jack-handle or similar between the brake pedal and the front seat - use a piece of wood to protect the seat leather.

Then, move the seat forward (CAREFULLY) so that it depresses the brake pedal as far as it can go. Switch off and leave the system over night. After a couple of hours check the fluid level in the reservoir.

Apparently, the air will work its way to the surface and will end up in the reservior.

I emphasise again that I have not tried this so don't blame me if it doesn't work. I personally, would be worried about the leather on the front seat but ...

Cheers for now,

CJ (Alan)

 

Actually that sounds like an idea worth trying. I've had some air lingering around in my system since I got the rover over a year ago. And after probably have a dozen bleed procedures, its still floating around. I'll have to give it a shot.

 

cockneyjock,

Just to follow up with you. I tried out that method of leaving the system pressurized with the brake pedal depressed over night. Ended up doing it a few times. The air isn't completely gone like I want, but the pump has stopped making that horrible crackle noise while it runs. I almost can't hear the pump run anymore, and the braking is nice and even now. Thanks for that advice!

 

Hi Scott,

Glad it seems to have worked for you.

I intent to swap accumulators this weekend and take the old girl out for a run (I might take the rangie with me too!)

I'll let you know how I get on.

Best,

CJ (Alan)

 

Hi Scott and all,

Just an update to let you know that I changed to the accumulator from the old pump two weeks ago and (touching wood) it's working perfectly.

All I can hear now is the EAS pump which I know needs a service - it's never ending love for these P38's, isn't it.

Thanks for all the help,

CJ (Alan)