e30 318i - Stiff Brake pedal and brake constantly engaged

[Ahmed.Syed]

HI Guys

Assistance needed from the world wide fanatics

As per the header, I am experiencing 3 symptoms relating to the brakes on the vert

Numba 1. The brake pedal goes stiff while driving and moves very little when engaging the brakes

B) the brakes seem to be constantly engaged but not at full hold (if that makes sense). The car won't roll in neutral as it would if I'm rolling out of my driveway. After a short drive the front wheels are extremely hot and there is a noticeable drag when driving which is because of the brake friction

Thirdly. The Brake pedal does not return to its highest position when releasing the pedal. (There is about and inch of play)

Please can someone guide me in the right direction with regards to getting this sorted ASAP ( I am in the PMB area so any leads on the possible spares that I may require will be grrrrrrrrrrreat)

PS - As a result of the brake pedal not returning fully, the brake lights stay on all the time

Looking forward guys

 

[Solo Man]

I am not sure but there should be a small hole in the bottom of the reservoir if it sits on top of the master cylinder and this hole is for the piston to sort of bleed through when it was depressed in order to return fully to the original position. This hole could be clogged and not doing what it is supposed to be doing. Take a thin wire and poke the hole in order to clean it. Have never done this - read this in the Car mag Garageman stories!! Also, i remember that on the E12 and E28 5 series BMW's i had in the 80'/90's that it happened that i would come to a stop and the brakes would sort of stay on, only releasing after a second or two after i released the brake pedal. Iirc, my mechanic then would replace the master cylinder rubbers. Was a loooong time ago and my memory is fading......

 

[Nikhil]

Sounds like the vacuum line from your intake manifold to your brake booster has a leak or is broken

 

[Iceman007]

Master cylinder i would start with