Brake problem, weak braking power...

Sat Apr 14, 2012 8:30 pm

Anyone experienced weak brake power after moving the cylinder over?

Im not sure what the score is but initial brake power feels fine but the power doesnt increase as the brake pedal is depressed further, just stays the same and is quite weak..

Im not sure if the master cylinder is being pressed in far enough? But the brake cylinder has no slack/play in it, so it would seem the space between the clio servo and the BMW master cylinder is ok?

Idea's?

Wed May 30, 2012 7:02 pm

i have a similar problem, im running without the brake pad clips, going to put the in tomorrow and try again

Wed May 30, 2012 7:10 pm

Did you fit a spacer between the servo and m/c (between the push rod from the servo and input of the m/c)? There should be no space between the servo and m/c.

Wed May 30, 2012 9:26 pm

I did yeah.. Changed the o-ring on the back of the m/c, as it was split, still no brakes. I think its new servo time.

Wed May 30, 2012 10:37 pm

Tbh, I've never heard of a servo failing - the one now fitted to my touring is almost 30yrs old and is working fine. I'd be checking the length of the linkage to make sure you're getting full travel at the m/c and then look at changing the m/c - more likely to need replacing than a servo I'd think.

Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:16 pm

Funny I have a 325iX, it's one of the very first made, so does not have the dualservo that is the norm on iX's. I have always thought it was due to someone having changed the servo before I bought the car. But when I use the vin on realoem to check if it would have had the dualservo it comes up with something that's neither dualservo or standard 2wd.

So now I'm convinced that my car is original. The reason I have fussed about this is because I have the very sensation that you experience with your brakes. Servo does seem to work as the pedal sinks when I have my foot on it during starting, but there is a limit as to how much braking power I make, and beyond this, I have been pulling on the steering wheel trying to push harder on the pedal, nothing happens the car deccelerates like when I pushed the pedal with half the force. It being a 4wd I have some sort of idea that it will transmit braking power through the transferbox, but I would still expect more braking power.

there is no chance of the ABS having to work on dry or moist tarmac.

I replaced the master cylinder with a used one, did nothing.

Last time it had a MOT I had to change the front brakehoses, I had a set of steelbraided hoses on the shelf, so on with the fronts. Made the pedal firmer, but no were near solving the problem.

I'm not familiar with the internals of the ABS block, but I'm considering it as potential source, or next part that will undergo scrutiny.

My car is not on the road at the moment, so my trial and error seeking is on hold right now.

But I'd like to listen in, if someone comes with a solution in your case, I might be closer to a solution on my car.