Whats wrong with my brakes?!?

[TrophyBoy616]

I had a service done around a month ago at a specialist and ended up having my pads and discs changed at the front as they were very worn and under performing. After they were fitted we went for test drive and they suggested that the brakes were spongy and underperforming but they didnt have time to do it that day. Apparently it was a 20 minute job and it was something to do with brake lines / bleed the brakes??? also suggesting maybe going to braded hoses!

Been chattign to renault garage and they say that there should not be a problem with the hydraulics side of things and that maybe its a servo side problem? i mentioned that my brakes are making a pumping air compression noise when i press the peddle and there does not seem to be a firm feel to the brakes that i had when the car was new. my old 1.6 with EBD brake assist use to slam on the brakes and had a nice firm feel! I expect better of the trophy. They still work reasonably well but they are far from perfect. Can anyone assist me in diagnosing the problem? The braking is no improved with the new discs and pads but its not like new

 

[Pep]

hmm, could just be that they need bleeding, do you do a lot of heavy breaking from high speeds, could boil your fluid and cause it to compress rather than push the pistons in the calipers.

braided hoses are good, apparently making the braking much better, if your having it bled and can get a pair at a decent price may aswell, but they aren't essential, especially if you dont drive it super hard/track it.

my first port of call would be get the brakes bled, possible to do yourself, or any garage could do it for a small price i would say.

hope that helps.

 

[Steve]

How many miles?

Lots of washing?

Short trips?

Did you bed them in properly?

 

[TrophyBoy616]

How many miles?

Lots of washing?

Short trips?

Did you bed them in properly?

not much washing, every two months maybe

lots of short trips, 6miles to work, 6 miles back, heavy braking most trips, i drive it quite hard, lots of overtaking and then heavy braking :evil:

 

[edde]

Need to bleed the brakes then up to you garage will charge £30~40 or you cna get the tools and fluid for £30 and do it yourself but brake sfluids horrible stuff.

 

[Da]

Stupid question but what do you 'need' to bleed brakes and will this drastically improve their performance?

 

[toonboy]

anyone know if its a servo or hydraulic problem based on info above? :s

 

[Leeshez]

I just thought you needed to bleed the brajes when you change a major component on the system. IE caliper or cylinder. I have done pads and shoes and never needed to bleed them.

 

[Clart]

sounds like the problem i had. oh and the fact that only one caliper was working!

 

[edde]

Stupid question but what do you 'need' to bleed brakes and will this drastically improve their performance?

new fluid 6 or 8mm socket set (I forget which) and a bleeding kit preferably the gunners easyman one person one £17 or so from halfords etc.

anyone know if its a servo or hydraulic problem based on info above? :s

Sounds more like the fluid needs bleeding.

I just thought you needed to bleed the brajes when you change a major component on the system. IE caliper or cylinder. I have done pads and shoes and never needed to bleed them.

Nope fluid degrades and air gets in the system over time and use. You should change it ever 4 years officialy but I'd change ever 2 depending on usage of the car.