UK Car Repair: Asta estate brake spongy, vauxhall astra, brake master cylinder

Question
Hi William,

Our K-Reg Vauxhall Astra Estate is a great car but the brakes go down very far unless "pumped". Do they need to be bled? There is no fluid leaking anywhere...can you give us a brief overview of the bleeding procedure?

Thank you !

Answer
What year is it, and, are they disc all round?  On many cars with drum brakes the brake shoes have to be adjusted regularly.  Unless the system has been opened -and you say there has been no fluid leaks- it is unlikely they need bleeding.  More likely it is a bad brake master cylinder, it could be leaking internally. In any event have it checked ASAP.