[Brakes] hard brake pedal

[flatyre]

hey everyone, my berlingo is up for mot and has suddenly developed poor brakes. If I press on the pedal as hard as I can it will eventually stop but the pedal is almost solid. I got a mechanic mate to help bleed the system but no difference. He thinks the servo isn't providing any assistance. Any ideas before I start buying new parts.
 

[Trevor]

It sounds like a servo fault to me.

[Jed Clampit]

+ 1 servo or pipe's to it 

[ron]

 Servo air filter blocked? Start simple before you start chucking cash at it.

[Landmark]

Best way to check your servo is - With engine OFF press the brake pedal several times until it goes hard. You have now exhausted the servo. Keep your foot on the pedal and start the engine - you should feel the pedal sink slightly as the servo "assists".
HTH,
Griff

[flatyre]

Best way to check your servo is - With engine OFF press the brake pedal several times until it goes hard. You have now exhausted the servo. Keep your foot on the pedal and start the engine - you should feel the pedal sink slightly as the servo "assists".
HTH,
Griff

cheers for the advice guys, I did as you said Landmark, pumped the pedal with the engine off, then with pedal pressed turned on the engine, and it sank slightly. based on this the servo seems to be working. There are no leaks in the brake system I'm aware of, and the brakes have been bled and topped up with fluid. Is there any other reason for a hard pedal?  thanks again. john

[brodfather11]

The flexible rubber brake hoses can collapse and block the fluid when the inner lining perish, the rear ones especially prone to it. They can still be bled but block when pressure is applied.

[Landmark]

It may not be relevant but make sure the rear compensator lever is free and nothing seized. You'll find it near the r/o/s wheel. Easier to get to if you remove the spare wheel. It's a load sensing valve that governs the amount of braking force to the rear wheels depending on amount of weight in the back of the vehicle. I'm just wondering if its seized closed.
Griff