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Thread ID: 136095 2014-01-19 20:16:00 Braking problem? tims (10184) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1365507 2014-01-19 20:16:00 I've had a 1997 Nissan Bluebird for a few years now and braking has always been average (slightly 'spongy') compared to other cars I've driven but it's getting a wof OK so I thought that's how it is with this model.

Yesterday I was reversing and had to brake hard and when I started forward again (and applied the brakes a few seconds later) the braking felt much better; the sponginess had gone. Next time I braked it was back to it's norm, as above.

I bled the brakes a while back and it didn't make any noticeable difference and the pads appear to have plenty left on them. Anyone got any clues while braking going forward is (temporarily) much better after braking in reverse? Something to do with pads getting roughed up with the wheels spinning the other way?

Thanks
tims (10184)
1365508 2014-01-19 20:46:00 I've had a 1997 Nissan Bluebird for a few years now and braking has always been average (slightly 'spongy') compared to other cars I've driven but it's getting a wof OK so I thought that's how it is with this model.

Yesterday I was reversing and had to brake hard and when I started forward again (and applied the brakes a few seconds later) the braking felt much better; the sponginess had gone. Next time I braked it was back to it's norm, as above.

I bled the brakes a while back and it didn't make any noticeable difference and the pads appear to have plenty left on them. Anyone got any clues while braking going forward is (temporarily) much better after braking in reverse? Something to do with pads getting roughed up with the wheels spinning the other way?

Thanks

Considering how important good brakes are when driving a car, have you considered getting a mechanic to inspect the brakes and break pads?
Webdevguy (17166)
1365509 2014-01-19 20:53:00 If I do recall correctly, some older cars did seem to reset the brakes by reversing and braking hard. Something to do with a ratchet type movement.

However, might be that my mind is playing tricks - check with your friendly Nissan dealer!
Bryan (147)
1365510 2014-01-19 21:11:00 If I do recall correctly, some older cars did seem to reset the brakes by reversing and braking hard. Something to do with a ratchet type movement.

However, might be that my mind is playing tricks - check with your friendly Nissan dealer!

Think that that used to adjust the handbrake ( on the car) as well
Whenu (9358)
1365511 2014-01-19 21:41:00 Considering how important good brakes are when driving a car, have you considered getting a mechanic to inspect the brakes and break pads?

Some of the generic brake pads are terrible as well, good pads can make a huuuuge difference .

I would get the brakes looked at, take it to a brake specialist (are they still around?) or a mechanic familiar with Nissan Bluebirds. Be prepared to pay some $$$$$ if the mechanic decides to replace all the pads etc, he may not use the cheapest pads around.
1101 (13337)
1365512 2014-01-19 22:12:00 My immediate thought is that either the hydraulics haven't been bled properly or that there's a leaky valve. Greg (193)
1365513 2014-01-19 22:35:00 Pads wouldn't cause sponginess, but air in fluid will.
I would be off to the likes of these.................

http://www.pitstop.co.nz/
Cicero (40)
1365514 2014-01-19 23:16:00 Sounds like you may have seized caliper slides and/or pistons, soft/damaged hoses or even jammed pads, all the above will cause 'sponginess' besides air in fluid.
Go immediately to a mechanic or brake specialist and get it sorted, before it f**ks out, and you die :horrified

I wouldn't recommend Pitstop, take a look at this ad for a technician, no mention of qualifications
www.pitstop.co.nz
feersumendjinn (64)
1365515 2014-01-19 23:42:00 With drum brakes going backward will cause this, but not with disc brakes (which I assume your car would have).

Like has already been said, get the pads checked (by a proper mechanic, not someone at pitstop or similar) and get the fluid checked and perhaps replaced if it's looking dodgy, and bled.

If the pads are all good, then that will sort it, replacing pads isn't crazy expensive anyway, so perhaps doing the lot wouldn't be silly. Don't take chances with brakes, they have got to be good.
wratterus (105)
1365516 2014-01-20 00:18:00 OK thanks; all good advice. I'll get it checked out. tims (10184)
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