Improving Brake Pedal Response

[David87]

My Dad's just bought a used Renault Clio 200 (on my recommendation!) and it's completely awesome in every area apart from one... the brakes. There's quite a lot of dead travel at the top of the pedal, which is quite at odds with most Renaults as they are usually very sensitive. It was serviced yesterday and they bled the brakes to try to sort the problem, but it's made no difference. They also said both the pads and discs were in good condition.

My question, therefore, is what else can be done to make them 'normal'? Thanks!

[Sam_68]

• I'm not familiar with the Clio pedal box, but check that there isn't excessive 'play' before the pushrod starts moving the piston on the master cylinder - sometime the pedal linkage is ajustable (but don't overdo it, as you need some play to allow for expansion as things heat up). If in doubt, refer to the factory workshop manual and/or an expert.

• Check the discs for run-out with a dial gauge. It might be that they're slightly distorted and the dead travel is due to pad knock-off.

• Replacing your brake hoses with braided hoses might help a little (it shouldn't make any differnece to the amount of dead travel before the brakes engage, but it can improve feel a little, particularly if the OE rubber hoses are past their best and are ballooning a little.

• Try getting them re-bled again; sometimes brakes are a pain to bleed properly.

[steve6304]

check the rear brake auto adjusters, its not unusual for them to not adjust, either side or both, also they can de-adjust when they are faulty.
adjust them manually and see what happens, replace as required if the pedal gets long again.

[steve6304]

check the rear brake auto adjusters, its not unusual for them to not adjust, either side or both, also they can de-adjust when they are faulty.
adjust them manually and see what happens, replace as required if the pedal gets long again.

[steve6304]

check the rear brake auto adjusters, its not unusual for them to not adjust, either side or both, also they can de-adjust when they are faulty.
adjust them manually and see what happens, replace as required if the pedal gets long again.

[Tunku]

I don't know if it is a French thing, but my old Pug and Citroen, both with rear drums and front disks were very prone to slack brake pedals due to the so-called adjustable rear shoes. My old Mondeo, with the same setup was also a bit prone to the slack pedal unless you were on top of the rear adjustment.