Just checked the front brakes on the wife's tdi 300 this morning as they were binding yesterday....

Nothing immediately apparent- pads Ok, no leaks, fluid is topped up and I've just taken it for a run with plenty of emergency-stops and downhill braking and cant replicate the symptoms.

Is it possible the heat can have an effect on the fluid?
If the fluid is old can it be affected by temperature?

Any 'snippets' of insight from anyone who has had a similar problem?

If fluid is old and has enough water in it guess it caught have trouble in high temps...

are pistons seized ,can you push them back in ?poor fluid will give poor pedal

Haven't taken the calipers off yet, but will do that tomorrow along with changing the fluid if the symptoms continue.

Harold 4x4 said:

Haven't taken the calipers off yet, but will do that tomorrow along with changing the fluid if the symptoms continue.

Click to expand...

you dont need to removing pads is enough check

OK, thanks.

Harold 4x4 said:

Just checked the front brakes on the wife's tdi 300 this morning as they were binding yesterday....

Nothing immediately apparent- pads Ok, no leaks, fluid is topped up and I've just taken it for a run with plenty of emergency-stops and downhill braking and cant replicate the symptoms.

Is it possible the heat can have an effect on the fluid?
If the fluid is old can it be affected by temperature?

Any 'snippets' of insight from anyone who has had a similar problem?

Click to expand...

Salut Harold, when you say the brakes where binding, what was actually happening? Were they staying on and overheating or what.

When people say their brakes are binding it usually means they are staying on so the vehicle doesn't roll well. This is usually caused by a sticking caliper.

The fact that you took the vehicle out and did some emergency stops may have temporarily released the sticking caliper piston but it will come back so needs thoroughly investigating.

I'm a little confused why you then talked about the brake fluid, in this context, as it will have little or no impact on the brakes binding.

However, heat in the fluid especially if it is old and contaminated with humidity does affect the brake calipers' ability to push the pistons hard onto the discs for effective braking.

It might be helpful if you clarify the symptoms experienced before jumping straight to diagnosis.


Dave

PS I'm in the Creuse, Limousin (23350) which shouldn't be too far from you, if you want a hand?

Thanks mate, I'll keep that in mind

Yes, I think the calipers need a good clean/service as they have been sticking- all working OK at the moment so no problem

The brakes are more spongy when it is hot so I figured maybe it was the fluid?

If you fancy a ride out on your bonny then send me a pm and I'll restock the bar... I think you are about 3.5 hrs from me?
I have a triumph Rocket in the barn which we hope to get out on for a week of touring in August.

Harold 4x4 said:

Thanks mate, I'll keep that in mind

Yes, I think the calipers need a good clean/service as they have been sticking- all working OK at the moment so no problem

The brakes are more spongy when it is hot so I figured maybe it was the fluid?

If you fancy a ride out on your bonny then send me a pm and I'll restock the bar... I think you are about 3.5 hrs from me?
I have a triumph Rocket in the barn which we hope to get out on for a week of touring in August.

Click to expand...

Hi Harold, If it's soft pedal that you want to solve then that definitely points to brake fluid needing replacement. Easy enough to do, especially if you have ABS and know how to power up the abs pump.

Dave