[Brakes] Brakes feel 'wooden' and lacking in power

[mangocrazy]

There's no linkage bar fitted to my car, the master cylinder / servo is on the right hand side, so I would assume that other RHD M59's would be the same.


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That had crossed my mind, as well... I've decided it makes sense to get the braking system up to scratch so I've ordered new discs/pads (Mintex) and also new front calipers and sliders, boots etc, as the mechanic who serviced it recently suspected that any attempt to bleed the front brakes would simply shear off the bleed nipple on the calipers.

Once all that lot's been replaced and bedded in I'll see what we have. It's a bit daft to complain about braking when you know certain parts of the brake system are compromised.

[bikerbaker]

I've never had any concerns with the brakes on my M59 but found that the VW T4 has lighter clutch and brake pedals.

The concern I had for over a year was after I smashed my right leg and ankle. To keep mobile I bought an auto Smart car and left foot braked for a year. I worried that my reactions would not be quick enough as for a while I had to think which foot to use when back in the real car.

Needn't have worried, earlier this year I stood the Berlingo on it's nose when someone at a set of lights mistook a filter for go. I swore, then laughed as it was obviously a test for me.

Hope it's not famous last words.

[mangocrazy]

Just to bring the story up to date - before I started pulling apart the vacuum/servo system I decided that it was probably best to make sure the base brake system was up to scratch. I'd already been told by my mechanic that the front discs were shot and in need of replacement, and also that the bleed nipples on the front calipers would likely shear if/when he tried to bleed the brakes, so I bit the bullet and ordered up new front calipers, pads, discs, sliders and pins, and rear shoes to boot. These were duly fitted and the whole system was bled until it was full of new fluid.

Once the pads/discs/shoes had bedded in I was rewarded with a brake feel and performance that felt as it should do; good initial bite, with increasing stopping power as I increased the pedal pressure. Brake feel is much improved and the 'wooden' feel has entirely gone. They're not the best brakes I've ever used (the Brembos on my KTM Duke 690 R claim that honour) but they are now way better than previously and definitely fit for purpose. I now feel confident that in an emergency stop situation the limiting factor will be my braking abilities.

[brodfather11]

New flexible rubber brake pipes would also make a difference, they tend to bulge under pressure when old, with a slight loss of effort .

(Like me round the waist.)

[mangocrazy]

New flexible rubber brake pipes would also make a difference, they tend to bulge under pressure when old, with a slight loss of effort .

(Like me round the waist.)

I agree that the rubber in the flexi sections of the brake lines do degrade and expand with age, but was wondering if stainless braided hoses are available from any sellers? I always fit these as a matter of course to any motorcycles I have with rubber brake lines.