How to check if Brake Servo is working correctly?

[Gerard Watts]

Hello,

Just a quick question,
I need to find whats at fault with the braking system on my Golf MK3 TDI.
I had the front brake pads replaced a few months back as the braking didn't feel too responsive, it's better now but still after braking once, the next
time I go to brake straight afterwards the pedal requires more pressure?
A mate bled the brakes and what not, and it was better.

The car still brakes perfectly and everything, but I would like some advice on what everyone thinks it could be, before I take it to the
garage and get it sorted.

Could it be corroded brake lines?
Servo Fault?

If so, how could I check?

Cheers!

[BobProperty]

Could it be corroded brake lines?

More likely a flexi hose getting past it IMHO.
If the servo isn't working the brakes are very solid (assuming the brake fluid system is OK) and hard to push. As a friend of mine said years ago, "It's like kicking a brick".

[Gerard Watts]

Hi BobProperty
The fluid has been replaced and is all good, the brakes just aren't as responsive as I would want, but they're nothing like kicking a brick.
How can I check if it's the 'Flexi Hose' that's the problem?

[zollaf]

the problem you have will be either a split vacuum pipe, a weak vacuum pump or a leaking servo. locate the pump on the engine block and follow the pipe to the servo, checking for leaks. if none are found, then a vacuum pump can be connected to the servo to check it is airtight and holding a vacuum. if this is ok, then the pump would be next on the list. you can measure the vacuum it draws and make sure its within spec.

[Gerard Watts]

Thanks Zollaf, but what exactly does the pump look like?