Basically, different cars have differing "brake pedal feelings", some feel soft and squishy, with plenty of travel. Others have little travel and are quite firm, sometimes even sharp.
Personally, I prefer the softer approach, as it's easier to drive smoothly.
WHat about you?
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Sharp with little pedal travel.
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Why?
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Because you adjust to the pedal action very quickly. My current Renault has awesome brakes and when I first got it there was some neck jerking at slow speeds. But you soon learn and adapt, from that point on there's a great sense of security when using them.
I have driven other cars (some previous Renaults as well) where the pedal felt soggy and long in its travel. The worst was a Polo where there wasn't even a servo fitted, it showed how low the MOT standards must be if they passed.
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The worst was a Polo where there wasn't even a servo fitted, it showed how low the MOT standards must be if they passed.
a relative of mine once took a mk2 Astra for an MOT with a dead servo, against my advice, and it passed!. I was shocked, I wouldn't even drive the car because the brakes needed a graet deal of pressure on the pedal to work.
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you watch thos renault brakes xileno. When you really need to use them and the EBA takes over all feel goes out the window
(along with anything else not tied down in the car)
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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Sharp with little pedal travel.
I find same effect can be achieved by using an un-trained left foot to brake with...no finesse at all, but stop pretty sharpish.
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Somehow, my old Polo has managed to blend parts of those categories together. There is plenty of soft initial travel which does very little, followed by a progressive firming of the pedal thereafter, where the majority of braking effort is achieved. Generally the brakes require a fair amount of 'push' when compared to more modern cars. Perhaps because a) I?m clumsy and heavy footed and b) used to the Polo?s heavy pedals, I much prefer a firm pedal.
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Yours has a servo, but the MK2's never did - at least not in the UK. On the Continent they did, including bigger engines and a small diesel.
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Yours has a servo, but the MK2's never did - at least not in the UK.
'True. There was not sufficient enough room, apparently, to house a direct acting servo because of the air filter/bulkhead arrangement. Cross shaft designs were tried (not by VW I may add) with the servo on the passenger side, but this was too costly. A servo was added for the mk3, but pedal feel was still criticised
On the Continent they did, including bigger engines and a small diesel.
As far as the mk 2 was concerned, the continent had bigger outputs (a 75bhp GT and even a G40) but pretty much the same capacity engines as the UK. The Coupe 'S' was our 'GT' but made do with the standard 1.3 55bhp unit because the 75bhp version necessitated the use of a servo. I always wonder why the 1.3 (and later 1.4) diesel units were never imported to the UK. Despite the UK being the Polos biggest market, we always made do with the fewest model and engine choices (up to '94 anyway)
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Early BXs had really short, firm action and I soon got used to and liked it. My Bedford Turbo 7.5 tonner has a bit more travel, but then go on really hard. Fine for the driver, but passengers and the four-legged friends in the rear do arrive in a bit of a state. The solution is to plan ahead rather further, as the engine braking is excellent.
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had a "d" series like that it was dangerous if you forgot they were all or nothing,tried chamfering the shoes.all new spring kit those twirly adaaptors and anything else that could cause it but the brakes were still all or nowt,shot it in the end .
oh and i like a firm progressive pedal,renaults are ok but when you jump in them if its not your daily driver you always nut the windscreen on first application ;(
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It's quite fun to watch someone not used to Renault brakes drive it for the first time.
Make sure you're not behind though. :-0
I can stop but can the car behind?
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It's quite fun to watch someone not used to Renault brakes drive it for the first time. Make sure you're not behind though. :-0 I can stop but can the car behind?
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>>Basically, different cars have differing "brake pedal feelings",
Unless it is a DS/ID Citroen which did not have a pedal just a little button on the floor.
The uninitiated really would rearrange the passengers.
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Great to drive the DS. Drove a LHD one about 10 years ago, nothing compares to the goddess. Not even a CX. And that button brake is quite fun.
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Strange what you are saying about Renault brakes. My Scenic has a long pedal travel before anything happens. However the Fabia, as soon as you touch the pedal it reacts.
Can be fun switching between the cars!
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It was only when I approached the wall at the end of the drive, that I realised my Dad´s 1966 MGB needed written warning, preferably a week in advance, of any braking requirements.
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I've driven hydraulic Citroens for about 25 years and have got used to the zero travel braking, takes some getting used to but very reassuring, the softer approach used by most other manufacturers is initially scary I rest my foot on the pedal and nothing happens:-)) then as the panic sets in I push harder and everything is OK, I guess it's what you are used to. The only thing I do notice with most servo brakes is that the braking force seems to increase without exerting more pressure on the pedal so you need to gently back off to keep the braking level the same.
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