Brake loss after sitting.

bearcat245 · #1 09-22-2009, 08:02 PM

One year and a month and now Winston is at the dealer.
Loss of brakes after being parked for short time. Drove out of parking lot and as I get to the street to stop, no brakes!
Tried to pump and nothing. Happened twice.
Took to dealer an was told "It's normal" when sitting that brake pedal to go to floor. Took it home and read the above reason and called Service back.
I explained that it is a dangerous condition and they had me take it back.
The first test they found nothing. On the return visit next day the mechanic said I had almost no brakes.
Lesson learned: Trust your instincts
I hope to get my Mini back tomorrow. I don't like the loaner Just a Mini Clubman. Has made me appreciate my car even more and want to upgrade brakes ASAP.

**RJKimbell** · #2 09-22-2009, 08:49 PM

How short of a time are we talking??

Your SA gave you a Piss Poor excuse...No Brakes is a serious problem that no one wants to experience. I'd take this to the Service Manager AND MINIUSA!!

bearcat245 · #3 09-23-2009, 04:56 AM

I going to see what they say is the real reason or issue with the brakes are and then decide if I need to escalate.
It's a tough call when a problem can't be duplicated, but since this could have been more serious it warrants a warning to Mini users.
Has anyone else experienced this issue?
If yes, then we need to track it so as to warn MiniUSA.

gregsmini · #4 09-23-2009, 07:22 PM

The response that it is normal for the brake pedal to go to the floor is very disconcerting.

It is never normal for the brake pedal to go all the way to the floor. I would be looking for a new mechanic/dealer if I was ever told that!

go_mini_go · #5 09-23-2009, 07:46 PM

Dealers are funny.

bearcat245 · #6 09-24-2009, 04:54 AM

Ok,, here is what they found.
I installed a CAI from DDMWorks a year ago. The vacuum line was replaced from a hard plastic line to a rubber line to the brake line going to the pedal system.
That line started to kink at the engine connector.
I replace the line back to original and will see today how it works out.
If it is a line that came with the DDMWorks, then a note needs to address the possible kinking issue.

**RJKimbell** · #7 09-24-2009, 01:48 PM

Did you get a visual on what they are saying...otherwise I'd think they were blowing smoke!!

go_mini_go · #8 09-24-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearcat245

Ok,, here is what they found.
I installed a CAI from DDMWorks a year ago. The vacuum line was replaced from a hard plastic line to a rubber line to the brake line going to the pedal system.
That line started to kink at the engine connector.
I replace the line back to original and will see today how it works out.
If it is a line that came with the DDMWorks, then a note needs to address the possible kinking issue.

Makes sense. You were loosing your power assist whenever that link either kink or collapsed under vacuum. I'd put a plastic line back on.

bearcat245 · #9 09-25-2009, 05:41 PM

Did and no problem!

Now I want to research the install for the DDM Works CAI street and if that was the hose the is this issue.
If so, then it needs to be addressed before some one gets hurt.

corcoranwtnet · #10 09-26-2009, 09:58 AM

I just don't understand why dealers dislike working on MINIs that have been modified.

bearcat245 · #11 09-26-2009, 05:57 PM

The DDM Works install had nothing to do with the vacuum hose issue.
My CAI Street instructions were clear and only addressed the area around the hose and did not even mention it.
So now I have to figure out why, who or what caused the hose to be removed.