Braking problem

[SimonR.]

Hey all,

Noticed this recently and is possibly dangerous.

Firstly: 03 plate, 1.4 mk2 ph2, front tyres 4/5mm thread, rear has slightly more. 16" turini alloys

Basically it feels like I have to push the pedal down quite far and hard to get a reaction.

Also when I brake urgently from speed, etc going from 60 to 30 because someone else in the road then it feels like the passenger side front wheel is not as strong and the car wobbles a little bit so I have to catch it with the steering wheel.

Someone has said it may be with caliper sticking?

What are your opinions and if you could post how much that would be to fix

Thanks
si

 

[Edd]

Re: Breaking problem

How worn are your pads and discs?

 

[SimonR.]

Re: Breaking problem

I have no idea how to tell :s

 

[MicKPM]

Re: Breaking problem

SiR - Front end up, Wheels off and lock the steering over left then right - you will then be able to see the brake pads from the inspection slot in the calliper casting allowing you to guage the "wear" of each pads remaining friction material. Bare in mind that the cars braking system is designed by Renault with minimum tollerances in mind and if you're components are close to or below these tollerances the system will not be performing efficiently.

If the pads are low the calliper piston has to move out further to make the pads meet the disc face and so stop you. This takes more time so you get more pedal movement or "travel" as some people call it. If the pads are badly "glazed" to due to age and heat damage they won't stop you as well either and so you need to apply more effort to make the car stop. Basically it all boils down to servicing; new discs and pads are most likely going to be the answer to your issues. Brake fluid also plays a crucial part in brake "feel" and if its not been changed in a few years i'd be swapping it out to just for the sake of it!

Regarding the car "Squirming" whilst under heavy braking, this can indeed be attributed to a sticking calliper but it can also be down to road surface, natural camber and tyre pressures... even faulty brake lines! First port of call for you sir is wheels off and get those brakes inspected/serviced and see what is needed!

Mick

 

[SimonR.]

Re: Breaking problem

Thanks a lot mick, I'll have a look tommorow. Think i'll pop into town and get some new tyres for the front aswell as they felt "slippy" on the way home tonight