Brakes: 286mm brakes ! no bite

[rxtian]

Check your flexi hoses, on my old D5 replacing them made a huge difference to the “bite” feel.

[TurboZed]

What happens if you really stand hard on the brakes? Do they pull up smartly then? Also when you're sat stationary with your foot on the brake, do you get that sinking feeling?

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by richieski

Hi,
Had a search through history etc and still not clear what route to take.
I changed disks and pads (eicher pads brembo disk) a year ago.
Still no bite and can't put up with it any longer, i only notice when i drive other cars what they should be like.
So is this setup complete rubbish?
Which would be the way forward?
New disks and pads of a better quality? (recommendations please) currently 286 on a P2 D5. It's a heavy lump.
Or larger disks?, adding caliper carriers ?

I have no idea how the quality in disks makes a difference, i can understand the pads but steel is steel right ? or is there a carbon ratio that makes them better?

Thanks in advance

it is possible that you may have fliped the seal on the servo if you pushed back the caliper pistons without releaseing some fluid .this happens when the fluid has been topped up as the old pads wear and there is to much fluid in the system

[TurboZed]

Originally Posted by Simmy

it is possible that you may have fliped the seal on the servo if you pushed back the caliper pistons without releaseing some fluid .this happens when the fluid has been topped up as the old pads wear and there is to much fluid in the system

It does sound like the servo is not working correctly. My thought was the vac pump isn't working right as it's a diesel.

[reggit]

Also check your flexible hoses aren’t starting to degrade.

[richieski]

thanks for the replies,

Flexi hoses seem ok, could be replaced with braided i suppose to help.

Yes, if i really go hard on the pedal, it does pull up quick. (it seems light pressure grab is not there)

It could be possible i flipped the seal ( i never have heard of that before, will look into it) is there a way to check?

I have checked the VAC system a while back, had issue with engine mounts etc so have a guage and all is good.

I appreciate the time you all are taking to help.. thanks

So i think i really need to check servo, seals and hoses this morning .

[richieski]

Did several pedal test etc as per some YouTube vids.
Found my pedal did not have much movement 30 seconds after switching engine off.
I have the euro 3 d5 so from the vacuum pump it goes through the check valve then to the booster.
Looked at the check valve and some deposits on the pipe as in the pic.
Decided to remove it and test.
Seem to let by when blowing lightly through it so decided to try and clean it up.
I always use coffee cleaner as it's a great non damaging detergent.
During washing I noticed some rubber like particuls come out. Also a little gunk.
Rinsed it and it gives a more positive closure when blowing the wrong way.
Dried it out, installed and it seems to be lots better.

I remember driving a while back and pressing the brake rapidly and noticed it was stiffer in each press
I guess this now is a giveaway that there is a vacuum leak.

Thanks all. See how I get on.

I am going to get some gas leak and test the pipe around the valve. I think it may be leaking there too.

[richieski]

Update................

changed front brakes for OEM Pads and disks.

Pedal pressure feels right, now has bite

Better than its ever been also changed fluid

OEM took a bit longer to bed in. (everything cleaned thoroughly upon install)

[richieski]

UPDATE......

So they were better but still not great.
Fixed a small vacuum leak and NOW they feel great....

[Lancee]

Where was the vacuum leak ?