500 or Grande Punto Abarths Brakes
Discussion
Talking about the standard cars here.....what are peoples thoughts about the brake set up ie; stopping power, pedal feel etc ? Are they strong brakes or the sort that works when you stamp on them but with a dead feeling pedal making it hard to modulate?
Thinking of a possible upgrade of master cylinder and servo from a salvaged Abarth to plonk into an old Mk1 Punto GT turbo that has poor brakes (everything is new bar and the system is in good condition) The factory set up is just very poor IMHO. I slammed on yesterday as a tester on an empty road and whilst the pedal was firm it seemed to slow down in slow motion almost. very weird to explain but its like they just dont have any instant grab to them. they are working but its as if theyve faded. not possible after one hard stop. Be great if there was an alternative.
My feeling is either the ABS is at fault or has air in it or the master cylinder to servo set up is just not up to the job.
Thinking of a possible upgrade of master cylinder and servo from a salvaged Abarth to plonk into an old Mk1 Punto GT turbo that has poor brakes (everything is new bar and the system is in good condition) The factory set up is just very poor IMHO. I slammed on yesterday as a tester on an empty road and whilst the pedal was firm it seemed to slow down in slow motion almost. very weird to explain but its like they just dont have any instant grab to them. they are working but its as if theyve faded. not possible after one hard stop. Be great if there was an alternative.
My feeling is either the ABS is at fault or has air in it or the master cylinder to servo set up is just not up to the job.
Braided brake lines 
Edited to update:
I have had a 2018 Abarth 595 from new and always found the brakes to be excellent however every car with rubber brake lines will suffer from a slightly soggy pedal. My Alfa GT V6 has braided lines fitted and has the sharpest brakes i have experienced by far.
Italian cars in my experience have a soft initial bite, then real braking power when it counts. The braded lines gives more feeling to the initial bite so makes it easier to modulate.
Edited to update:
I have had a 2018 Abarth 595 from new and always found the brakes to be excellent however every car with rubber brake lines will suffer from a slightly soggy pedal. My Alfa GT V6 has braided lines fitted and has the sharpest brakes i have experienced by far.
Italian cars in my experience have a soft initial bite, then real braking power when it counts. The braded lines gives more feeling to the initial bite so makes it easier to modulate.
Edited by Ransoman on Monday 25th May 12:38
What pads are fitted? As long as the pedal is decently firm (ie there's no air in the system and the lines are OK) then poor braking performance is probably down to poor pads
Fit a decent brand such as Pagid, Mintex, Brembo, Ferodo
That said, it could also be down to sticky caliper pistons, stuck caliper floating pins / guides, glazed pads, worn discs, spongy flexi brake lines - all sorts of potential problems
Fit a decent brand such as Pagid, Mintex, Brembo, Ferodo
That said, it could also be down to sticky caliper pistons, stuck caliper floating pins / guides, glazed pads, worn discs, spongy flexi brake lines - all sorts of potential problems
ToothbrushMan said:
the only things that arent new now are the abs module and the servo. everything else has been replaced with quality items
the master cylinder is a new bosch item.
Doesn't matter if the pads are brand new - if they are a poor compound, the braking performance will still be poorthe master cylinder is a new bosch item.
What make / type of pads have you fitted?
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