Just had my 1994 Transit 2.5D fail its MOT at an independent (no repairs) place I always use, on "Brake pedal has no servo assistance". This suprised me as I was not aware of any problem and the brake servo seemed to be working correctly to me. So, took it to the top of a big hill and let it roll down slowly, kept applying the brakes. After about 4 or 5 pushes the hissing as you press stops and it starts to get harder and harder to brake. Start the engine with my foot on the pedal, pedal goes down and brakes pressure comes back to normal. All pretty normal as far as I can see.
So took it to a garage I've used before and they were equally sceptical there was anything wrong at all. Did comment when they saw who'd tested it "oh not them, they're failing anything and everything at the moment!".
Went back to the MOT station and spoke to the tester. He said he'd failed it because when you start the engine the brake pedal doesn't go down. He got in and showed me what he meant. When he started the engine he said the pedal didn't move, but I could see his foot going down! When I pointed this out he changed his story to "yes but it isn't going down ENOUGH".
So it seems like it's failed on his subjective opinion as to how far it should go down. Another tester then came and also had a look. He seemed less sure, and said to the first tester when he thought I was out of ear shot "don't forget this is a diesel mate, not a petrol. They're different".
But even though the 2nd tester didn't seem quite convinced and agreed with me that the pedal did go down when you start the engine, he didn't seem to want to openly disagree with his colleague.
Still got a fail. Problem is, how do I fix it if neither me or the other garage can find anything wrong?
So...
Should I just take it somewhere else?
Is this sort of think a common fault on Transits does anyone know and if so what's the likely problem?
Why should it be different if it's diesel rather than petrol.
There are only 3 components that can affect this, pump, servo and pipe between the two. I've checked the pipe and all connections for leaks. Nothing found.
I would add I've no particular gripe with the place itself. They were, as always, very helpful, but I'm still stuck with a fault I don't know how to cure.
BobC