duckson

iTrader: (2)

I've just had a test drive in a 57 plate STI (saloon) and is it normal for the brakes to feel a bit underpowered/dead? Or do they require quite a heavy push to make them bite proper?

Getting back in the wifes 1.6 Scenic and the brakes felt proper sharp in comparison.

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Its the pads, if the car has been standing for some time they can feel wooden, change of pads normally sorts it out though (originals are not the best tbh )

Tony

duckson

iTrader: (2)

They said the pads had approx 50% on them and they appeared to be ok-ish (i'm no expert)...they said they'd only just got the car in as well so it hadnt been prepped for sale proper as yet.

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Change the pads for something decent, always found on my last new age that they were not the best after being left, so upgrade to 2500's or the likes just not the standard brembo crap ones but 50% is a lot, is that the car at the skoda dealer? didnt use 50% in 22k on my spec c, check the discs for wear etc, if there is a serious lip on there it may have had some abuse in its lifetime

Tony

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

I've driven a 2.5 hawk STi (colleague at work).......the brakes are very progressive and nothing like the "on or off" of our citroen.

It was a blue one I drove so nowhere near as good as a silver or white one LOL

Shaun

duckson

iTrader: (2)

No its a 20k mile 57 plate at the dealer at Doncaster.

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

any link to the Doncaster car?

Shaun

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Google is your friend: http://www.stlegersubaru.co.uk/UsedCars.aspx

Rich D

iTrader: (12)

the brakes do feel a bit wooden as standard Stu, as Tony said, get some aftermarket ones in there and it will improve things no end

jameswrx

iTrader: (4)

That's odd because I'd say the Brembos on my 02 sti feel amazingly sharp and very strong. I was blown away when I test drove the car (especially after coming form a classic)

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Its probably not running the original pads, those are not exactly mind blowing and are wooden

Tony

jameswrx

iTrader: (4)

I'm pretty sure they are original brembo pads, but could be wrong.. the prev owner spent a fortune kitting it with a new brembo setup (02 jdm sti wagon that comes with normal 4 pots)

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

You probably have different pads, you would know if you had the brembo ones in there, dont think there is a new age STI driver who doesnt want to change those pads

Tony

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

I must agree with this, If you have come from a car with to much bite on the brakes the STI ones must feel very strange, they are progressive and do need more pressure to the pedal but they do feel great when you give them some abuse. I can see where Tony is coming from regarding the Brembos, there are better pads available but the Brembos are still a good starting point.

davedipster

Totally agree I have a std 03sti and the brembo pads do need a good push.

dipster

duckson

iTrader: (2)

OK so general consensus appears to point this being normal and not something particular amiss with the car i drove.

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

I'd be more worried if the steering wheel wobbled or the car pulled violently to one side..... Bug Sti wagons are pretty rare as you probably know..is it a white one??

Shaun

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

Yes that's right, Its so hard to really find out what a car is all about with a test drive. But I must say after getting mine It was a great feeling every time I drove it as it just seemed to get better and better as I got to know its strengths.