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Passed MOT, but Advisories on brakes...Advice required

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24K views 16 replies 6 participants last post by  ironeagleuk  
#1 ·
As per subject, my 157,000 miler passed...but not without advisories.

Here's what is on the form....doesn't sound too great to me, and I want to know where to start, and what to do to try and sort these problems out.

Measurements
Brakes Advisories: RBT Service Brake Efficiency: 51%, RBT Park Brake Efficiency: 17%, RBT Brake Imbalance: 17%

Advisory Items
(51%) Service Brake: service brake efficiency only just met.
It would appear the braking system requires adjustment or repair. [3.7.A.7]

(17%) Parking Brake: parking brake efficiency only just met.
It would appear the braking system requires adjustment or repair. [3.7.A.7]

Rear (28%) Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met.
It would appear the braking system requires adjustment or repair. [3.7.A.5b]
So I guess my brakes require adjustment or repair.
What does RBT mean?

Any advice or comments greatly appreciated

Also had advisories on both rear tyres, as they are at 2mm, but these are coming off soon because they are the snow tyres on steelies (not that we have had any snow)
 
#3 ·
fitting new pads to the front is a simple job requiring a jack,wheel brace 12/13mm socket /spanner for sliders and 17mm spanner/socket to take calliper off.i dont know if ur diy or pay at a garage but front pads are definately diy(just ensure u get correct pads all 25/zr used 262 mm solid or vented front discs unlikely any bigger a tube of copper grease and a molegrip or g clamp to push brake cylinder back and maybe rbber gloves its a mucky job,rear drums are a bit trickyer rear discs are easier than the fronts
 
#5 ·
Thanks all....I guess it's just a case of taking them apart and having a look to see if anything is obviously wrong, and give them a good clean up.

What about the imbalance on the handbrake though....what would I need to look for?...is there any greese or anything I can use to maybe free it up?

I don't think I have changed the rear brake pads since I have had the car, which is 6 years now, so I guess I might as well do that while I have the drums off.

I believe the front brakes are fine. I have changed at least one of the calipers, and both pads in the last 18 months
 
#6 ·
I had a look yesterday at the rear brakes, and upon inspection they seem fine to me.

The front brakes are in good condition too.

The pads are in very good conditions, the cylinders look in good condition and there is no leaking.

There does seem to be an imbalance on the hand brake operation though...the passenger side does seem to lock slightly sooner than the drivers side.
Any idea how I can perhaps free up or make the brake balance more equal?
I have read the Haynes manual and it doesn't seem to address this problem.

I did wonder if the drums might need to be replaced, as this isn't an easily measurable item....but the wear on them seems equal all round.

I am thinking of taking the car elsewhere for a second brake test.

Any thoughts?
 
#8 ·
The level is fine.....not sure when it was completely bled though.
I am pondering on getting a one man bleeding system to bleed it though, but not sure which to choose.

Brake pedal travel seems normal...no spongeyness
 
#11 ·
I would take it hasnt been changed while you have had the car then, if you have had the car 6 years then the fluid is well over due for a change.

Change the fluid.

How many clicks does your handbrake lever have when you pull it up? It could be that your brakes are not set up correctly of you have stretched cables, which will need adjusting.

First make sure your brakes are set up correctly, follow the guide and make sure your self adjusters are working fully.
 
#12 ·
I would take it hasnt been changed while you have had the car then, if you have had the car 6 years then the fluid is well over due for a change.

Change the fluid.
I think I bled it about 4 years ago, but can't remember. I'll attempt this today

How many clicks does your handbrake lever have when you pull it up? It could be that your brakes are not set up correctly of you have stretched cables, which will need adjusting.

First make sure your brakes are set up correctly, follow the guide and make sure your self adjusters are working fully.
I adjusted the handbrake before the MOT....to a max of 6 clicks.
 
#17 ·
Thanks for your advice and pointing me to that thread...it was a great help.

I fully changed the fluid & bled the brakes...which was abit of a pain really as some of the nipples were abit tough to crack.

Then put it all back together after slackening off the hand brake lever adjuster abit.
Pulled the handbrake on, and the drivers side rear was still turning, but passenger side was locked. So released hand-brake, removed drivers side drum, and moved adjuster until both rear wheels were locked with handbrake on, then re-adjusted the handbrake to around 7 clicks.

Seems better than it was, but I guess I won't know til I get it tested again