182 brakes gone squishy over the winter

[STRBramley]

Just wondering if anyone can give me some guidance on this before I start taking the brakes off.
The brakes were fine last year and I’ve not had any need to drive the car until now.

The brake pedal goes hard if I pump it with the engine off. If I start the engine the pedal goes to the floor and the brakes feel really weak.

Possibly the fluid needs replacing or will it be something more involved? Any ideas how I can narrow down the issue?

Any advise appreciated 👍

 

[Brigsy]

Check for fluid leaks first. If none id assume something might have gone on the master cylinder. Prob try a bleed first.

 

[STRBramley]

Check for fluid leaks first. If none id assume something might have gone on the master cylinder. Prob try a bleed first.

Thanks, no leaks that I can spot. I’ll probably need to replace the callipers. One of the bleed nipples has rusted off so unable to bleed it 😩

 

[Sash]

Thanks, no leaks that I can spot. I’ll probably need to replace the callipers. One of the bleed nipples has rusted off so unable to bleed it 😩

Rather than replace the whole caliper get the bleed screw drilled out and replaced.

 

[STRBramley]

Rather than replace the whole caliper get the bleed screw drilled out and replaced.

I'm not sure if this is too obvious, but has my brake fluid leaked out of the bleed nipple snapped hole?

 

[JamesBryan]

View attachment 1657511
I'm not sure if this is too obvious, but has my brake fluid leaked out of the bleed nipple snapped hole?

If the bleed nipple was fully closed/tightend, then fluid won't leak through as it's sealed off at the bottom of the seat.

 

[STRBramley]

If the bleed nipple was fully closed/tightend, then fluid won't leak through as it's sealed off at the bottom of the seat.

Got it, thanks