Poor brakes

[Martinez]

Regardless of everything I’ve tried, my brakes are still poor. In fact on motorways it can be scary.
They’re much better since I had the rear compensator adjusted, but still pretty crap.
I’m wondering if it could be the discs or pads on the front ?
Do they degrade with age ? 
Either that or perhaps the brake fluid needs changing ? 
It’s a 2001 2.0lt hdi model

[Romahomepete]

All those things can cause a problem, brake pads and shoes havent been the same since they stopped asbestos. You really need softer pads. Unless you know that the brake fluid has been changed in the last couple of years then it is time. Also check that the flexi pipes are in good condition

What does the garage say when it is MOT tested about the efficiency? Before we got our Romahome I towed acaravan with a 2000 1.9d Berlingo multispace without any brake problems

Peter

[cancunia]

The main stopping power will come from the front brakes. I'd change the pads at the very least, maybe the discs too. Don't get cheap pads or discs from Euro CP, they will not last. As above, a flush through with some new fluid via the front caliper bleed valves would not be a bad idea.

[oilyrag]

All of the above!  I've kept the brakes on my 2002 in top condition ( we live in a mountainous area) , but have to confess they simply are not that geat and would rate them as 'adequate'.  When I use my wife's car the first stop usually tests the seat belts.  
MoT figures look more at balance than efficiency, and with dual circuit sytstem there is even more allowance. 
Would say - make sure that you can actually undo the caliper bleed screws before changing brake flexis as the screws may simply shear off. That means either trying to bleed via a slackened flexi coupling or getting the calipers off and removing the remains. You may also find that the caliper pistons/sliders aren't moving that freely and a service kit, if you have the skill , is worth fitting - the amount of muck you'll find behind each piston will scare you.
Good luck !

[Martinez]

All those things can cause a problem, brake pads and shoes havent been the same since they stopped asbestos.  You really need softer pads.  Unless you know that the brake fluid has been changed in the last couple of years then it is time.  Also check that the flexi pipes are in good condition

What does the garage say when it is MOT tested about the efficiency?  Before we got our Romahome I towed acaravan with a 2000 1.9d Berlingo multispace without any brake problems

Peter

Well, it is a little heavier than a Multispace. It’s a Nu Venture Surf. Mot never raises an issue with the brakes. I’m big enough that if I stand on them it’ll stop (so far anyway) but it’s a bit scary. I’m looking to tow my motorcycle on the back so think I really need to get something done now

[Martinez]

The main stopping power will come from the front brakes. I'd change the pads at the very least, maybe the discs too. Don't get cheap pads or discs from Euro CP, they will not last. As above, a flush through with some new fluid via the front caliper bleed valves would not be a bad idea.

Think I’ll try new pads first and deglaze the discs to see if it’s any better. I did strip them down a couple of years back on the front as I thought it could be sticking calipers , but everything seemed fine. Rear brakes were rebuilt and new shoes around same time. It feels like as if the servo isn’t working properly

[Romahomepete]

Is the vac pump working?

[Martinez]

All of the above!  I've kept the brakes on my 2002 in top condition ( we live in a mountainous area) , but have to confess they simply are not that geat and would rate them as 'adequate'.  When I use my wife's car the first stop usually tests the seat belts.  
MoT figures look more at balance than efficiency, and with dual circuit sytstem there is even more allowance. 
Would say - make sure that you can actually undo the caliper bleed screws before changing brake flexis as the screws may simply shear off. That means either trying to bleed via a slackened flexi coupling or getting the calipers off and removing the remains. You may also find that the caliper pistons/sliders aren't moving that freely and a service kit, if you have the skill , is worth fitting - the amount of muck you'll find behind each piston will scare you.
Good luck !

Think calipers are ok. I stripped them down n cleaned them out 2 years back because of poor brakes, but nothing I’ve tried has fixed it so far.

[Martinez]

Is the vac pump working?

How do I check it ?

[RattyCortina]

There should be a noticeable difference in the pedal travel/firmness with the engine running if the if the vacuum pump and servo are working OK.

The servo doesn't make the brakes 'better', just reduces the effort needed at the pedal. My M59 brakes feel 'over servo'd' to me TBH.