Hi
Kevin
When
Jason and I first took Lex out for a test run (at least 4 years sitting still
remember), the brakes were awful. When we got back we discovered only oneof
the four front pots was actually engaging, and that was without enthusiasm!
I
pulled the wheels off, took out the pads and pumped like crazy on the pedal.
Eventually all 4 pots creaked out. I squirted them with a bit of oil and
squidged them back in using Jason's Magic Brake Retraction Tool (a guy who has
an enormous Snap-On tool chest still uses this metal pipe with a flat bar
welded to it for brakes), then repeated the process. I think I had to take the
calipers off to get the pots back in, but after doing this twice, they were
fine, and have been ever since.
If
the pot is well and truly stuck, you can use James' idea of making a bicycle
pump attachment for the bleed screw. You can then pump air into the pot to
force it out.
Or
say bollx to it and go down the local motor factors and buy a new pair of
calipers for under £50.
I
also had a problem with one of the rear calipers - Jason made an educated
guess that it was the flexi-hose and was spot-on. The Diesel Centre can get
flexi hoses that will fit (though they aren't a 100% match - 1/2" longer on
the back and 1" shorter on the front) for about £9 each.
There's a stainless braided clutch line too BTW, but
only really makes a difference in the hot weather.
You
could be right on the vacuum line - easy enough to check.
M
Hi
Martin
I
collected the car about 2 weeks ago and drove it about 150 miles. I noticed
that brakes need a huge amount of effort, as does the
clutch.
The front wheels came off last night and after the drive I would have
expected the discs to be shiny.They are however quite tarnished
and slightly pitted. Hence my thoughts on the 4 pot caliper and
grooved disks.
You said that "my brakes are good
enough", I am suspecting a collapsed vacuum to the brake servo,
seized or rusty calipers and or grotty
disks.
What do you
think?
Kevin #5959
-----Original
Message-----
From: Gutkowski, Martin
[mailto:martin.gutkowski@xxxx]
Sent: 06 February 20032:17
AM
To: doc-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: [doc] ABS
Brakes
Chris H and I had a chat about this with
Steve Wynne some time ago (Eurofest actually) on ths subject and I
completely understand what he said. The problem with upgrading the front
brakes on the DeLorean is the weight distribution. Look at any moderncars
- my Xantia has fantastic brakes which are 300mm double walled ventedon
the front and piddly 200mm plates on the back with postage stamp pads. It
stops as if stuck to the road. The active pitch correction and power
assisted high pressure hydraulics helps....
The DeLorean has roughly the same sized discs
front and rear and there's reason for that - the weight distribution
gives it a gloriously even braking force. If you uprate the fronts, the
front wheels'll skid before the backs. At the end of the day, I'm quite
capable of pulling a 4-wheel skid on a dry road - my brakes are good
enough (not that I've tried mind you!!!). And I haven't invested in aset
of Marty Maier's Stainless braided brake hoses, or kevlar pads as yet
(these will both increase the "sharpness" of the
pedal).
Bottom line: If one were to quote the
"rubber-on-the-road-to-weight ratio", I think the DeLorean would do quite
well. It stops remarkably well as it is and I would think about kevlar
pads and upgraded flexi-hoses with a set of Pirelli tyres before worrying
about 4 pot calipers (and how would you work the handbrake if changing the
rear calipers?). Also, there's not a lot of room in those 14" front wheels
:-)
Martin
Hi Stian
Good question!.
I am also a little concerened about the brakes. I think however
ABS is a non starter sensors need to be put on the wheels etc,etc,.
I am looking into changing the front calipers to 4 pot together
with grooved disks. this should increase the effiency of the
brakes. Have any others in the DOC done this ??
Kevin #5959
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