RR Classic Brakes

In my continued search for a Classic i've found one that virtually ticks all the boxes. The only issue is the brakes, when first applied they seem too sharp, almost instantly that feeling disapears and you get good solid braking straight after.

This is not a different vehicle so different feel kind of issue. When you apply minimal pressure to the pedal is almost like you've stamped on them.

Its a 1990 3.9 and didn't think to check if it has ABS but the feeling in the braking would suggest it hasn't.

Its not so sharp that the wheels lock up and once used to it I could quite easily live with it. It has a current MOT(don't think dodgy one's are so easy to come by these days!!) so don't think its an issue.

Just hoping someone more knowledgeable than me will say its an easy fix, would be a shame to let it go. Thanks

the breaks are bit of an issue with classiscs and some p38s.Could be a simple enough fix though. There was an interesting thread about brake pedals clicking.Is it a vogue se model then it should have abs, does the abs light come on when started?

Mine did that - it was far better after a good brake bleed.

I changed all the brake pipes, and don't think I got all the air out on the initial bleeding. It got a lot better after the second bleeding.

Still does it a little though.
I sort of get used to it (been doing it for 20,000 miles now!)

Not a problem - it just passed the brake test on MOT - failed suspension though!!!

goonarmy said:

the breaks are bit of an issue with classiscs and some p38s.Could be a simple enough fix though.

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I would have to agree there! My '87 has the opposite problem, although the brakes will stop the vehicle OK & in fact will lock the wheels in an emergency stop, they seem to lack 'bite' when first applied. Passed the MOT last summer with no advisory re. the brakes but they still don't instill confidence, especially when driving in traffic. An experienced independent has checked the whole system & renewed both the pads & fluid but they still lack the bite of my last Classic, an '89 with the Girling system whereas this one apparently uses Lockheed components.

goonarmy said:

the breaks are bit of an issue with classiscs and some p38s.Could be a simple enough fix though. There was an interesting thread about brake pedals clicking.Is it a vogue se model then it should have abs, does the abs light come on when started?

Click to expand...

my 1990 vogue has the brake pedal clicking thing, what was/is it???

if your system is same as p38-been there and stripped it out to repair

goonarmy said:

the breaks are bit of an issue with classiscs and some p38s.Could be a simple enough fix though. There was an interesting thread about brake pedals clicking.Is it a vogue se model then it should have abs, does the abs light come on when started?

Click to expand...

It is an SE but must have been built before ABS was introduced becoz it hasn't got it.

fett said:

my 1990 vogue has the brake pedal clicking thing, what was/is it???

Click to expand...

I think this is normal on starting up, its the test function on the selenoid valves for the ABS.

Nah, I mean it clicks when you press the pedal under braking just one click and you can only hear it when you are manouvering so pressing gently.

Morning Fort.

ABS was fitted as standard from october 89 on EFiSE models.
ABS pump should sit on the drivers side inner wing.
Check all pipes, discs and pads for any problems. Try bleeding out the system. This needs to be done by the book as it is a complex system. Use a pressure bleed kit. The click maybe the ABS/brake light switch. It is a 2 stage switch. One click for lightss second for ABS.

Sounds about right , I dont think mine is a problem as its been doing it for 8 months lol

Khryztal said:

Morning Fort.

ABS was fitted as standard from october 89 on EFiSE models.
ABS pump should sit on the drivers side inner wing.
Check all pipes, discs and pads for any problems. Try bleeding out the system. This needs to be done by the book as it is a complex system. Use a pressure bleed kit. The click maybe the ABS/brake light switch. It is a 2 stage switch. One click for lightss second for ABS.

Click to expand...

Thanx 4 that Khryztal and a good and proper bleed might do the trick.
As for the ABS issue it must have either been built a while before its March 1990 registration or one of its previous 5 owners had it removed. There's no pump, abs light or other abs bits.

Was all set to go for it until I looked at another good one today. Just like the buses, nothing comes along for ages then you get 2 at once!!!

The "click" is the switch for the cruise control on mine.

I dont have cruise lol

I do. It's my right foot after it goes sleep.

prefer a click to a big bang from hitting something

LOL and LOL