[clf]

+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.