brake probs?

[mich@el]

Over the last couple of days, my brake pedal is real hard to push when first starting the motor (I park on a bit of an upward incline), and today I reversed into a parking spot and the same thing happened but it was on level ground and the GQ had been going for over 3/4 of an hour.

I'm worried it may happen in traffic and I'll rear end someone.

Suggestions as to the cause please before I go to a "Pro"

thanks in advance.
michael

[ITS A FORD NOT A NISSAN]

do the 2.8s have a vacume pump ? it may be faulty or you may have a vacume leak in your lines somewhere

[Tracteur Tom]

Yes 2.8 diesels have a vacuum pump.

Check out all the vac plumbing. Wobble the rubber hoses at their ends, most likely one will be cracked. Is the brake warning light on ? The vac sensor is wired into this, could be a clue ? Alternatively, its going to get VERY expensive as you could have a faulty vac pump or worse the brake servo. I'm assuming that the pedal doesnt hit the floor - ie needs bleeding ?

[mich@el]

Yes 2.8 diesels have a vacuum pump.

Check out all the vac plumbing. Wobble the rubber hoses at their ends, most likely one will be cracked. Is the brake warning light on ? The vac sensor is wired into this, could be a clue ? Alternatively, its going to get VERY expensive as you could have a faulty vac pump or worse the brake servo. I'm assuming that the pedal doesnt hit the floor - ie needs bleeding ?

No warning lights and the pedal hardly goes in when I push it.

[Canuck]

Its vacuum. Same thing happened to me backing down a long steep grade. In my case, it doesn't creat enough vacuum at idle. But the brake warning light did come on. Perhaps, your's is bunt out? Does it come on when you put the parking brake on? It could be a simple as a bad line or one way valve as said before. If you are worried about the vacuum pump, it is easy to check with a vacuum tester fitted to the pump. Don't have the manual handy but the specs should be in there. Is you AC idle up also out? How about your power assist on the clutch (if it is a manual tranny)?

[AJS]

Check the lines from the pump to the tank. The one way valve should be in there somewhere, so check that it's still working. Another thing to check (if fitted) is the vacuum line to the air con idle control. Sometimes that develops leaks, poss if you've fitted a vacuum operated cruise control.

[mich@el]

Brake problem solved, it was a vacuum hose coming off.

Thanks for all the help people!!!:cheers: