Nimbus

EDIT: Title should say Brakes, not Breaks


Had some new disks and pads fitted to the fronts about a year ago (BlackDiamond grooved and Mintex pads) which are great. Rears are in a bit of a state and I think they have given up working completely. It looks like the pads are not really pushing on the disks. On top of that, there is an awful lot of break travel before I feel any effect.

I'm getting the rear disks and pads replaced with the same type as the fronts, but what else should get done to sort out the spongy peddel and get some feel back into into them? I guess the rear calipers have ceased and the brake fluid needs beeding. Anything else I should ask the garage to do?

MY95 UK Turbo

[Edited by Nimbus - 7/30/2002 4:22:01 PM]

Claudius

The spongy pedal normally comes from a low brake fluid level. Mintex pads are regarded as low quality in the rally world because of their low friction coefficient. Maybe check the friction coefficient of your pads? It should be at least 0.60.

Steel braided hoses will make the entire brake fluid circuit rigid and improve brake pedal feel immensely.

Finally, if your brake fluid is hygroscopic (water absorbing), it will degrade rapidly. To check if your brake fluid is hygroscopic, look if it has DOT 5.1 rating or not. If it doesnt, then it is hygroscopic. Only use DOT 5.1 with braided hoses as it may degrade the OEM hoses!

blitz imp reza

Power engineering make a stiffening bracket for the master cylinder/firewall area, as apparently it flexe's a bit, which can add to a spongy brake pedal feel.
Check out there website www.powerengineering.co.uk

Nimbus

Thanks for the commnets. Re-hosing is not an option at the moment, but the bracket thing might be. I'll check the pads Co-e and see what they are.

Cheers

Pete Croney

Don't expect much from the brackets, personally I could tell any difference at all.

Fluid and lines are the only way to get a good pedal feel.

Nimbus

Thanks Pete,

I will definitly ask for the fluid to be changed. If that improves things enough then I will not bother with the bracket.

Cheers