205 1.9 - brake adjustment

[sleep envy]

picked up another 205 last night

for a change I don't have a list of things to do before I'm happy with it but the only thing I need to sort out is the brake pedal feel - it seems there's nearly an inch of travel before they bite

other than bleeding the system is there anything I can do to make the brakes bite earlier?

[sorrento205]

fit a 306 s16 master cylinder

[sleep envy]

thanks but want to keep the car standard

[sorrento205]

hardly a major change is it. took less than an hour to do on mine

[sleep envy]

:|

[Rob_the_Sparky]

Shouldn't be necessary to "upgrade" to improve things, although they do feel much better with braided lines fitted. Do you have a 1.6 or 1.9?

I've not had a problem with 1.9s but with base model cars I've had slack travel before they do anything so I think it is something in the drums that causes this (auto adjusters?). If it is air in the system then they will feel spongy when braking as well.

Rob

[sleep envy]

it's a 1.9

my last 1.9 had much sharper brakes - could stand it on it's nose even though it was totally standard

[Simes205]

Start with bleeding the brakes
You'll then find the nipples on the rear calipers (if not already) will snap off.
Change the pads?

Edited by Simes205 on Tuesday 4th September 13:27

[sleep envy]

new pads and new rear calipers

[Simes205]

master cylinder?

I've replaced everything on mine - including all the pipes.