Difficulty braking

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Discussion

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Tuesday 10th July 2018
quotequote all
Hi,
Firstly, new user and first post!

I have an issue braking, either car or my technique.
I'm driving a vauxhall zafira tourer C, 64 plate. Cars in good condition, ex motobilility, and 4 different tread pattern and brand tyres, paid for by the state.

The problem I'm having is lack of brake when braking. I'm using the same foot pivot technique with all pedals, and gradually increasing brake pressure. However, my foot is pivoted as far as I can and I'm not able to brake quickly enough. Can't even get ABS to activate.

My work around is to press the pedal as I would on a leg press, but the pedal goes to the floor before I'm at maximum braking power. I'm getting smother and more controlled braking this way, but it's not right. ABS will activate if I am heavy footed, so I know that works.

This issue has stated about a month ago, however when driven by my father, there's no issue at all. He says brakes are fine.

I'm perfectly fine on the gas and clutch though, and when I got the car, and test drove, I had no issue with the brake, this seems to have developed.

Brake fluid ok, pads about half worn, discs ok. No visable leaking or damage.

I'm rather perplexed by this.

It's either me or the car. I can't see the designer thinking that the gas and clutch be smooth and responsive to operate andrequire a gental operator; yet the brakes require a stampede of elephants to function!


Cheers


Scott

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Thursday 12th July 2018
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Thanks for the replies folks.
Can't see much on my phone so I'll reply best I can.
The car was from pentagon vauxhall Derby, full history and no modifications. The tyres were all fitted by the same garage in South Wales, no idea why all different, all in good condition though. Not ideal, but come October time I'll be putting a set of goodyear vector 4 season tyres on. Had those on my civic and were fantastic in our pitiful snow.

I am a relatively new driver, however been on motorbikes for several years prior, just can't take a large do to an emergency vet on a little bike.

I noticed today that there is a slight squeel from the front right disc on braking, and it continues for a few seconds after releasing the brake.

As above, when I got the car the brakes were wonderful, I do up to 200miles a week in the peak district but I doubt enough to wear brakes that much.

I've got a 12 month warranty with it, so I'll try to get any work covered by that.

Cheers

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Saturday 14th July 2018
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Pericoloso said:
G went missing in dog.

Large do.

Op ,have you had your brakes PROPERLY inspected yet ?
Pentagon is checking the brakes. Fri next week was earliest.
I don't need to travel bar two days which I have alternate transportation anyhow.

My phone autocorrect is naff. Keeps telling the other half that I love Sue...
So I apologise if things have weird typos.

Cheers

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 20th July 2018
quotequote all
Been serviced this morning. No mechanical faults, however issues with the brake fluid, either contaminated or air in the lines or both.
Bled and refilled the system.

Brakes are fine now. Noticeably better.

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
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Pica-Pica said:

I would agree, but with one proviso - don’t do this if you have a black-box fitted!
I have a box, got rating downgraded as the brakes were tested by the garage. On site and on a rolling road.
Ergo physically stationary, yet it picks up hard braking.
Box is always right though, limitations of the box. I dread to think what they say I'm doing come mot and service.

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Tuesday 24th July 2018
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BertBert said:
Did you work out how the box picked up hard braking? It'd have to be able to monitor brake pressure and know what high pressure looked like.
Bert
I initially thought, after speaking with my insurer that it had som form of gyroscope that picks up harsh acceleration braking and cornering.
It detects speedy GPS which is naff in hilly areas.

But now I'm not sure. I doubt it's connected to the ecu. I don't even think we have those boxes in the UK.