1997 Fairlane Ghia

Look for a vacuum leak in the hoses to your booster. That's if it has vacuum assisted power brakes.

One would assume that they bench bled the MC before installing it.

Internet auction sites; get rid of it?

I am retired pensioner so to get ridof it would leave me immobilised. Despite the cars age, It is in first class condition with only 130K on the clock.

...and an ABS problem.

Maybe you have not described the issue correctly, but when you first switch the ignition on all of the idiot/fault lights will turn on so you have a visual confirmation that the lamps are working.

When the engine starts running those lamps should extinguish.

You can verify the operation of the ABS on a deserted dirt road by applying brakes hard at 10 to 20 mph. You should feel a pulsing sensation in the brake pedal as the ABS engages.

Bleeding brakes can be complicated in some cars. I son't know about yours, but you should periodically (every 2 to 3 years) have the whole brake system drained and replaced with new brake fluid, not just topped up. Usually when a service station replaces a master cylinder they do not drain the whole system.

Brake fluid is hydroscopic and needs to be purged and replaced with new fluid on regular intervals. If not, water and air can lead to a spongey brake feel. It is also possible that the service station did not correctly bleed the system.

Lastly, check you local auto supply stores to see if they will read the OBD II fault codes on your car's on-board computer. In the US Autozone does this for free. You get the latest series of fault codes and you can then call your dealer for a verbal description of what this means. If there is an ABS fault it will be logged in the codes.

hygroscopic

Totally agree. I have always been a proponent of brake fluid changes.

Normally, though, my old trucks start the process for me...then I finish it...with new parts to boot.

Great Post.

I don't think that the car has an ABS problem either, it has as you say, air in a brake line that needs correct purging......

Some bad mechanics will say anything.

The OP should go to another shop and get the air purged...

I'd say your 'mechanics' are passing their lack of sense and unwillingness to do what you paid them for back to you. You likely have air or water in your system as stated above. And you have a pretty basic vehicle, so don't let them try to say that either. A master cylinder is the real deal as these things go, and there has been no job done if you drove out on spongy brakes. Your mechanics don't care if you die. If they are advertising that they are certified mechanics; tell them you are filing against them because of their risk with your car and life by not doing their job correctly. They will probably fix your car quick. If they even start to spout off, hang up. Keep in mind that many of these shops really do try to treat every customer that looks like they'll go for it like a sucker. They'll fix it if you aren't going to fill the role of easy money. It will cost them far less.

It is likely they have used a vacuum bleeder. These work great but can on occasions suck air past old seals.A cheap work around is to use a large syringe filled with brake fluid with a bit of hose on end and fit to bleeder of each wheel starting furthest wheel from master cylinder and after opening bleeder force the fluid to the master cylinder with the lid off. Brake fluid clean up is with water ASAP. A loose wheel bearing can have a similar pedal feel as it pushes the pads away from disk.

ABS should be off with the engine running, if your mechanic says this isn't the case, I would suggest the problem may be less to do with the vehicle and more to do with the "mechanic" that has played with your braking system. Get a second opinion.

OK Guys, all sorted. Took it to a bloke to get the ABS tested, no problems. Got him to change the Brake fluid and rebleed the whole system.

Different mechanic, Different approach so there we ago.

Thank you everyone for Your support and advice. Well done.!

Norm.