Violet Elizabeth Posted March 16, 2002 Share Posted March 16, 2002 Hi. Just got my 7 back from having the calipers replaced by the local brake man. The pedal travel is now huge, and doesn't stop the car very well. Rears lock up a little at full extent. Seems from reading postings here that you need to to ensure that the pads are snug up to the disc when insterting. So had a little look myself (not very technicaly able !). The pads are fairly loose in the calipers (didn't need to level anything apart, they just came out), so took them out (some ring things around the ruber bit fell out too, not sure what they are but they went back). Got the missus to press on the brake to try to move the pistons in a bit but not sure if that helped. Still quite easy to get the pads back in. Am I missing something here ? Any help gratefully required. Ta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F355GTS Posted March 16, 2002 Share Posted March 16, 2002 Noger When the missus pressed the brake pedal, did the pads actually clamp the disc? It could be a number of things, ie air in the system, pads sticking in calipers - you may be able to pull them out but the pads have to be able to move sideways towards the disc! if theres a step in the casting it could stop the pads engaging and resulting in the rears locking up first (potentially very dangerous) Whereabouts i nthe country are you? If oyur anywhere near Reading I'll drop round and have a look or you could bring it over - Garage and all stuff available! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Elizabeth Posted March 16, 2002 Author Share Posted March 16, 2002 Thanks "F". Yes. The pads clamp the disk. Mechanic bled the brakes so hopefully not to much air in the system. Just seems like a lot of play between pad and disk. There is definately some contact as the disks get warmish with use, but not sufficient pressure to stop from the front. Am in east surrey, thaks very much for the offer, but am out for rest of weekend (lucky since weather has turned rubbish, was nice this a.m. when discovered problem). Edited by - noger on 16 Mar 2002 18:01:10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F355GTS Posted March 16, 2002 Share Posted March 16, 2002 Noger there shouldn't be any 'play' between disc and pad, it would suggest that the pistons are retracting into the caliper which they should only do a miniscule amount ie to relieve pressure on the disc. Can't think what would be causing this but would suggest oyu get it looked at pronto, if hte rears are locking before the fronts you'll end up going round in circles! one last thought - Have you got brake bias adjustment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Posted March 16, 2002 Share Posted March 16, 2002 your brake man is not very good is this the farmer down the road in a barn you metioned last week question.gif if he fited rear pads i think he has not screwed out the adjusters to take up the play this will have to be done then all bled once more the ring things sound like the clips that hold on the dust covers on the old spitfire calipers i think you would be better getting a more competent person to look at what he has done you dont take chances with brakes fredid=blue> smile.gif Edited by - FRED on 16 Mar 2002 17:20:43 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted March 16, 2002 Share Posted March 16, 2002 Noger, Did he change the calipers for precise like for like in terms of piston dia? Bigger pistons front calipers would certainly give a similar effect. For info your rear axle had Escort wheel cylinders in the Ital axle as the larger rear pistons reduced the proneness to lock up the rears. Suggest you get the car to a competent mechanic. If in doubt get the AA or whoever to recover it to Redline or somewhere. Dont take risks, and more importantly don't crash the K2RUM legacy car!! Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Elizabeth Posted March 16, 2002 Author Share Posted March 16, 2002 Thanks chaps. Looks like I will have to get 'er to redline. F355 - no brake bias. At least not as far as I know. Fred - yes, is the bloke in the barn. Although he is a lockheed brake person so guess he should know what he is doing, only fronts changed, nothing done to rear. Arnie - not sure, he sent a caliper away to Lockheed, certainly looks the same to me. Not going to drive it, I think being able to stop in less than a quarter of a mile is fairly fundamental ! Cheers, Nigel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Elizabeth Posted March 17, 2002 Author Share Posted March 17, 2002 Aha. Think I have been a silly-billy. Realised that might need to take BOTH pads out before using pedal to move pistons in. Tried this and the pads fitted back in much snugger. Pedal travel is now less, but not as good as before caliper change. Hopefully this is just down to pads (some nasty lockheed things that need changing asap) bedding in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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