Technical Query RE: Brakes

eddie101 · 27 Jan 2011 at 09:47

Hey guys, basically the problem I've got is with my brakes. I'm not at all mechanically minded so is pretty much beyond me but basically, to me, my brakes feel 'wooden'

They work, but its as if I have to put extra pressure on the brakes as i do in other cars. For example after driving my car (Astra H) then getting into my mums (New Zafira) I end up slamming the brakes on everytime i try to stop as opposed to using gentle pressure.

My pads/discs are fine as it was serviced a couple months ago, but this problem has gradually started happening.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Janesy B · 27 Jan 2011 at 09:49

Brakes may need bleeding by the sounds of it.

numnutz · 27 Jan 2011 at 10:25

Could be fluid, sticky piston, or something else. Most likely, it's the fact your mum's new Zafira is like most other mass produced cars these days and massively over servo's the brakes, meaning you don't need any force to operate them.

bledd · 27 Jan 2011 at 10:31

Take it to an independant garage, ask them to check the discs/pads and to flush & replace the brake fluid for you

When did you last get pads/discs? they'd typically be making a horrible noise if they need replacing,

Firestar_3x · 27 Jan 2011 at 10:34

Sounds like a mechanical problem, however has the car got anything like EBD?

Gaygle · 27 Jan 2011 at 10:36

As above, first stop would be to get the brakes bled. Cost me £25 for this on my old car and made the brakes feel MUCH better. Brake fluid is often something that gets forgotten about during services so it's likely that it hasn't been changed in quite a long time.

volospian · 27 Jan 2011 at 10:45

It's worth getting them checked, but they may just be "like that". I laughed like a drain at my mate getting out of his Cupra F into my Jag and nearly putting his face through the screen everytime he applied the brakes. Likewise, I often climb into the wifes car, get near a junction, apply the brakes... and wonder why the car is not stopping... There's nothing wrong with her brakes, they're just not as "sharp" as mine.

Gaygle · 27 Jan 2011 at 10:48

That is another thing. My gf's 106 has had the brake fluid changed and new brakes put on it - and still when i drive it i crap myself because the brakes are shocking! She drives fine with it though and has learnt to "drive around it".

However, the OP has said that his brakes have deteroriated, which means they were better before, which means something isn't working as well as it used to.

Malc · 27 Jan 2011 at 11:09

It sounds like air in the brake lines. Press the brakes quickly and then see if they sink a bit after the initial catch.

When I took my old Megane to a Renault garage to get it serviced and the brake fluid changed I drove away and when I braked there was an initial catch and then my foot wood sink to the floor. Turned out they hadn't bled the lines correctly when they changed the fluid. I didn't end up paying for the brake fluid change or the service.

Official garages my arse.

Dandle · 27 Jan 2011 at 11:15

Malc said:
It sounds like air in the brake lines. Press the brakes quickly and then see if they sink a bit after the initial catch.

Air in the brake lines would give you a spongy pedal not a solid one. Sounds to me like they arent being assisted enough so maybe an airleak to the servo.

Dogbreath · 27 Jan 2011 at 12:24

Dandle said:
Air in the brake lines would give you a spongy pedal not a solid one. Sounds to me like they arent being assisted enough so maybe an airleak to the servo.

Yup, that would be my guess as well, assuming it's not simply a normal difference between the two cars. Nothing to do with air in the system as you rightly say.

volospian · 27 Jan 2011 at 12:55

Gaygle said:
However, the OP has said that his brakes have deteroriated, which means they were better before, which means something isn't working as well as it used to.

I agree, I was just saying that it *could* be perception, rather than anything actually wrong.

eddie101 · 7 Feb 2011 at 09:30

Dandle & Dogbreath you were both correct. Vacuum hose had an air leak. All sorted now though, thanks for the help guys!

tigerstyle · 7 Feb 2011 at 11:25

Dandle said:
Air in the brake lines would give you a spongy pedal not a solid one. Sounds to me like they arent being assisted enough so maybe an airleak to the servo.

ahhhh way to late on this one, but yeah, air in lines would compress like a sponge giving the spongy feel, not a wooden one, back to the haynes the lot of you!

Janesy B · 7 Feb 2011 at 11:48

eddie101 said:
Dandle & Dogbreath you were both correct. Vacuum hose had an air leak. All sorted now though, thanks for the help guys!

tigerstyle said:
ahhhh way to late on this one, but yeah, air in lines would compress like a sponge giving the spongy feel, not a wooden one, back to the haynes the lot of you!

Reading fail.

tigerstyle · 7 Feb 2011 at 12:58

Janesy B said:
Reading fail.

million percent confused here, the very first part of my post, the words where I say 'ahhh way to late on this one' :confused:

or do you love making complete joke fails?