brakes! and a soft pedal.

[robbie1985]

Right I'm working my way through the brake system at the minute and am doing well so far, 2 whee. Cylinders and shoes on the back and the fronts have loads of meat left on them. Just need new bleed nipples for the front as they have been butchered. But one snag keeps evading me and that is after coming off full lock the brake pedal goes right to the floor and on the second pump of the pedal firms up. my first thoughts are that it's down to brake lines not being extended but I thought I'd ask first to save me buying ne ones and that not being the problem. Thanks in advance for the help.Also the brakes work perfectly all the time except for after full lock and I've only really noticed it after turning to the right .

[timwilks13]

Can you put the car in full lock, and look to see if the brake lines have play in them still, and that they're not like guitar strings?

[robbie1985]

I was thinking the same, I'm gonna pop out over lunch and try it.

[robbie1985]

Just given her a spin around the car park and it only happens whilst on and after full lock to right. From what I can see the brake lines are all clear and dont foul on anything. I did notice though that is knocks slightly when turning right and the brake caliper is rubbing against the spring on full lock. Any ideas?

[Ladaman]

Could it be as the caliper hits the spring it pushes the piston back into the caliper. Then when you try the brake again you are taking the slack up with the first press.

I can't remember what should be the steering lock limiter, but it's not the caliper.

[ScottieJ]

Could it be as the caliper hits the spring it pushes the piston back into the caliper. Then when you try the brake again you are taking the slack up with the first press.

I can't remember what should be the steering lock limiter, but it's not the caliper.

I have a feeling I've read about something like that happening on vits before definitely worth checking.

[robbie1985]

That's a very good point. I never would have tweeked onto that one. I've got a ramp booked at work next week so will get the front wheels off and out it to full loock and check the pads. To he honest that makes perfect sense as to way its happening. Does anyone know what's the steering limiter should be? Cheers for the help

[trapper]

I'm currently working through the braking system on my 2000 1.6 Vitara. Im finding an intermittent soft or spongy pedal, last night parked it over paper rolls (old wallpaper) to see if I had any indications of fluid loss..... none also no loss apparent in master cylinders. The Vit has only done 58k and fully documented so I'm reasonably certain that springs etc within the setup are good. I'm considering doing a disc on rear setup once I can find the parts but reckon i need to know the standard setup is all as should be before modification. Has anyone else had experience of this and if so whats's the answer

[robbie1985]

yeah i found that when i turn to the right on full lock, the brake caliper is pushed against the spring and this causes the brake pedal to travel to the floor. after i have pumped the pedal twice the brakes go back to normal. its be cause the caliper being pushed against the spring causes the pistons inside the caliper that push against the pad to move away from the disc and i have to pump the pedal to get them to contact again.

[Rhinoman]

You need to adjust the lock stop.