JPSC Forum

In the last few days, I've noticed that after being stood overnight, the first time I push the brake pedal I get a lot more travel than normal before the brakes bite. From then onwards the brakes feel completely normal. No sign of any fluid loss, no vibration to indicate a warped disc, and the handbrake isn't applied when the car is left overnight.

I'm running Sierra calipers front and rear.

I have a few ideas (sticking caliper sliding mechanism, caliper starting to seize), but none of them really stack up with why the condition presents itself while the car is sat still for a few hours... yet is fine when initially parked up.

Any thoughts chaps?

Hi Neil, my brother had a similar problem with his V8 powered Opel Manta. It turned out to be the lack of free play in the pedal movement. We're still not really sure why but after winding the push rod in a bit the problem was sloved.

Hope this help,
Simon.

Check you have slight free play in the push rod to the master cylinder.
Check your wheel bearings for play/wear.
Check the calipers for both sticking pistons (when you press the pedal, with the caliper off the carrier, you should feel it move out then return slightly when the pedal is released) and for sticking sliders (clean off any crud and smear with just a little red rubber grease or silicone spray/grease).
Check for master cylinder seal wear by applying just slight presure to the pedal and see if the pedal sinks slowly to the floor.

adrian

Thanks guys, gives me a list of stuff to check.

Funnily enough, last night (after sitting in the car park all day) and this morning (after sitting overnight) it was fine...