Spongy Brakes.

[Flappers]

Hi, I've just bought a 2001 S Type and apparently it's been stood for a long time. After running it for a good few miles I'm aware of a few issues but two mainly on the running gear. The first, really quite spongy brakes pedal, I can push it right to the floor at a stand still engine running. And the second, a noise at around 20mph of an unhappy something rubbing or worn on one of the front hubs. Will this clear itself or am I looking at new bearings and a fluid change please?

[J44EAG]

The car obviously needs its brakes bleeding. That done you should get a decent pedal. If not, you should check master cylinder condition. Seals may be shot and leaking fluid from the rear of the mounting flange.

The scapeing noise could be a front brake dust shield touching a disc or a brake pad may be in contact with a disc. Teasing the shield away from the disc might cure the issue.

Wheel bearings at the front end generally only last a maximum of about 85k miles before needing replacement. Any looseness, roughness or noise when spun by hand means new bearings. The complete leg has to come off the car and be transfered to a bench press. Four to six tons pressure is often needed to get bearing cartridges to separate from a leg. If you have a press, bearing changing is quite routine. If not, you might have to put the job out to the trade.

Mike K