86 E30 - Brakes Problem

[Rav69]

86 320i parked up for a couple of years - now have problem that when the brake pedal is full pressed to the floor it just stays there - have to stick foot under pedal to release it!

Any ideas?

[Birdman]

Rusted calipers? No hydraulic fluid, or leaking fluid? Stuck pads? Stuck pedal!
After 2 years you would need to overhaul the brake system in any case.

Does the engine run OK?

[Rav69]

Idles a little fast, but otherwise fine!

[Birdman]

I assume you've done the sensible checks to ensure the braking system is all present and correct.
If so, you can take it that it probably seized up only temporarily, through non-use.
Have you tried working the brakes - pumping them a lot - while (cautiously) moving the car forward under it's own steam. You might find they free up of their own accord. If it won't move, it may be the pads have seized following your first application and need freeing off. Or the parking brake has seized, if you left it on in storage, that is.

Don't try brake testing it in a public place!

Let us know how it goes.

[Globulator]

Also look for major rust on the metal pipes on the rear swing arms
where they go behind the brake backing plates - they can literally fall
apart there.

The key to driving with no brakes is to plan ahead...