Brakes ?

hoff87 · 9-17-09, 5:11

Hi all, I've posted a similar thread in the past but still have'nt been able to cure the problem. Since owning my MX6( 6 years ) there has always been a soft brake pedal. I've uprataded the discs and pads, bled all. etc etc with no change. I've not driven another 6 and I'm not sure if this is just a common 'feel'. It causes no problem at MOT. Brakes are generally ok but inspire no confidence.
Any ideas ?
PS I've placed a carbon dash kit on E.Bay very cheap if anyone wants a bargain.
PSS Car MOT'd yesterday first time with no problems. Fantastic considering she had'nt turned a wheel in 9 months

Drew

**MX6 addict** · 9-17-09, 6:06

Best advice is to find a clear bit of road, blast it and stand on the brakes, hold the steering wheel lightly and see if it pulls to one side or the other, if it judders that's your ABS kicking in.

Do you regularly drive other cars or vans?

Mark

Parallex · 9-17-09, 6:37

It may be that your calipers need adjusting.

They could be set 'too loose' at the alan key adjuster. However, I wouldn't mess around with these until you've had the chance to drive another 6.

Ben.

hoff87 · 9-17-09, 7:16

Ta , calipers are fine, I've dismantled and rebuilt em, ABS is perfect, pedal just feels far too soft !!!!

RJSzynal · 9-17-09, 7:32

They're soft anyway compared to newer cars. I noticed when I first got mine that they have more travel in the pedal and it's not as hard but it works just as well.
I've heard that braided brake lines stiffen up the pedal feel if it's unpleasant for you. Maybe a higher DOT rated brake fluid? I don't know much about changing fluid rating though, not sure if it's a bad idea.

Robert

hoff87 · 9-17-09, 8:28

Ok I'll try braided lines. I can see the idea that the old ones may be expanding under pressure. Will let you know. PS any ideas on where best to get a set of braids ?

Parallex · 9-17-09, 9:04

I would google ProbeStore and go there to get braided hoses. Mark Colgan owns and runs it, and provides an excellent service.

If you've changed & refreshed your fluid, then to be honest I wouldn't worry about changing the Dot too much. Dot 3 is manufacturer brief, Dot 4 is what most of us use.

I have braided S-Steel Goodrich lines fitted, they do a good job, and increase ABS chatter a bit. You can certainly feel the feedback more.

What pads and discs are you using?

When you bled the system, how did you do it? MX-6 systems have a few surprises up their sleeves. Another thing to keep in mind, the brake systems on the MX-6 were designed woefully inadequately. The rear brakes do very little anyway, apart from go faulty, and the fronts are under-sized if you're after competitive braking.

Ben.

hoff87 · 9-17-09, 9:56

Mmmm, fitted grenstuff discs and pads about 18 months ago and it made no difference.
Drew

Parallex · 9-17-09, 10:46

Green-stuffs are designed for lightweight cars. They are useful on hatchbacks and other lightweight jobbies. MX-6's need either red-stuff or if you are going track racing or drive that way on the road, yellow-stuffs. I use yellow-stuffs and they absolutely kick arse.

Plus, having decent discs on the MX-6 is a must. I've noticed that when I had crap discs on I got crap response. I've got Brembo discs on the back, they do a very good job there, and I've got EBC Turbogrooves on the front. The fronts can get extremely hot, so you need discs that won't warp or crack. Don't get drilled discs - they're pants, blind dimples are better.

Did you bleed the brake system from the back or the front? And did you do both sides seperately?

Ben.

hoff87 · 9-17-09, 13:51

Thanks all, I've ordered braided lines. Will let you know how it goes
Drew

**nasher** · 9-25-09, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parallex

Green-stuffs are designed for lightweight cars. They are useful on hatchbacks and other lightweight jobbies. MX-6's need either red-stuff or if you are going track racing or drive that way on the road, yellow-stuffs. I use yellow-stuffs and they absolutely kick arse.

Plus, having decent discs on the MX-6 is a must. I've noticed that when I had crap discs on I got crap response. I've got Brembo discs on the back, they do a very good job there, and I've got EBC Turbogrooves on the front. The fronts can get extremely hot, so you need discs that won't warp or crack. Don't get drilled discs - they're pants, blind dimples are better.

Did you bleed the brake system from the back or the front? And did you do both sides seperately?

Ben.

Ben is so right, get the best front discs you can aford. I too have EBC discs, with grooves and dimples, a bit noisey if you are picky but my god they work. They get red hot! I have green stuff pads, but will get red next time.

On the brake fluid, be careful. Our cars must use DOT4 and be mineral based, do not think that synthetis will be better, as it will damage the master cyl seals in time as our cars were not designed for it. The best fluid is Lucas DOT4, it meets the spec, or get the Mazda original from your dealer.

Mike