Brake issue
 

ok learned gents, my Rover 75 had gradually developed a brake issue where the pedal is still hard when pressed but the stopping power feels way reduced.
Have not had any abs lights.
Almost like there is no brake booster operating.
Cleaned the brake callipers and discs down in situ with spay brake cleaner which seemed to help a little, then washed the discs down with the hose and took it for a spin.
First couple of braking was really good but as they dried out it went back to reduced stopping power.
Seems this has gradually got worse last few months.
Have not done the pads for a few years.
Could it be the pads or discs have become glazed or similar.?
Not had any fluid level drop so dont think the pads are worn down to much.

If it is a diesel then check the vacuum hose to the EGR valve for any splits - it can wear through due to engine vibration if not correctly routed.

Its a petrol, vacum line seems fine and the fact that the brakes seem to pull up
fine when the discs are wet makes me think the booster is ok.
Think maybe the discs and or pads are glazed up.

Following this with interest!

My brakes seem to be doing a very similar thing, fine when wet but judder and are vague when dry. Mine is a diesel so I will pop out and check the vacuum line.

When was the brake fluid last replaced?

It might also be worth pushing the caliper pistons back and checking the slides on the calipers are free.

I would recommend a much more thorough service technique Peter. :D Remove the two rubber caps and undo the 7mm Allen head pins so that you can remove the sliding part of the caliper. Clean it and the carrier (still attached to the hub) by removing brake dust and loose corrosion then lubricate all moving and pivoting parts with suitable grease taking great care that none finds its way onto the pads or discs. With the help of an assistant check that the piston moves freely when the brake pedal is pushed then reassemble remembering to clean and lubricate the pins too.

The rear brakes don't have much work to do so they will probably be in worse condition than the front.

Simon

yep, good advice simon, ive got a new set of front pads in the garage, have not changed the brake fluid for a few years.
Might put the car in to the local mechanic and get them to do full brake check
and fluid change.Hope the discs are ok, i think they got changed a few years back so we will see.
On another note, see you poor blokes are still stuck with that virus.
Hope you all keep well. Weve been really lucky here in Western Australia thus far
and apart from a sort of lock down in June,lifes been back to normal here.
Still have a state border lockdown from other states though
An island within an island!!
Somtimes living in the most remote capital city in the world aint a bad place to be!!

+1 for the fluid.

My mother's Clio, always had what I called 'bitey' brakes. They were sharp and had a great feel. She complained to me that they didnt feel right, and just moved it back and forth, it was shocking.

A quick flush, with a litre of fluid, and brakes were back - picture of the old fluid attached, you can see the fresh fluid in the pipe. This fluid was 3 or 4 years and maybe 2.5k miles old!

Obviously do a check of the components to make sure they are clean, and free to move, but fluid is recommended to be changed every 2 years. It used to be something I would scared to do, but it does not take that long and makes a huge difference.