Spongy brakes...

[Mahmood]

Hi all

Will having stainless steel braided hoses eliminate the 'spongy' feel? If so, where can I get a set? I can only find them advertised for E36s.

On the subject of brakes, my brake lining indicator is now permanently lit up on the dash. I need new front pads but I am told they will still be good for a while. Any recommendations on pads? I see Mintex C-Tech Racing Pads are pretty good value but would I really need them? Am I better off with some stock ATE ones from ECP?

[Jesus325iTouring]

The most common cause for spongy brakes is air in the brake lines,this can be introduced when new pads for instance have been fitted and the air hasn't been completely removed.
Bleed the brakes first to see if this eliminates the spongy feel.
It is also possible to get air in the system if you have a leak somewhere,give the brake lines and pipes a good chek over to see for a fluid stains.

Braided brake lines do also make a difference to a well serviced brake system, i beleve you get less "bulging" with braided pipes..
I had a set fitted to an old E30 I had and it sure shapened up the brakes.

HTH a bit.

PS I have no ideas on what are good or bad brake components though,but there are plenty of people here who do.

[astondg]

I got some braided brake lines put on the front of my 323i. They made only a very slighty firmer pedal, but the E30's have twice as much brake line at the back so getting the rear done as well should help.

I too have a very spongy brake pedal that means when I go racing it is very difficult for me to keep my foot positioned for heel and toe while I am braking hard. I usually have my heel accidentally pushing on the accelerator while I am braking hard because the brake pedal (and my toe) is close to the floor. The pedal has always been like this even after new discs/rotors and pads all round, multiple bleeds and fluid replacements, the braided brake lines, and checking of the master cylinder and for vacuum leaks. I have also tried adjusting the series of rods and linkages under the dashboard the connect the braked pedal on the right side of the car to the master cylinder on the left. The car stops well and I have never had any fade so I think it must just be how they are. I have noticed though that with the engine turned off the pedal is noticably firmer, so I'll just have to switch off the engine every time I want to brake .

Aston

[Brianmoooore]

Before you drive this car much further, get someone to check the rubber hoses while the brake pedal is being pushed hard, to see if any of the hoses swell up into a blister. Had an E30 once where the brakes went a bit spongy, and found a huge blister swelling up on a front brake hose under pressure.

[Mahmood]

Thanks all, will get this sorted after the wekend.

[Simon13]

spongy can be sh!te cheap pads, and if the fluid has not been changed for a long time