MOT fail but puzzling

[myglaren]

I'm with Simon on this.
I used to load my GS up with paving stones and Calor gas bottles every couple of weeks purely to prevent the rear brakes seizing through lack of use. With only a driver in the car the rear brakes hardly came on at all and a bit of exercise was extremely beneficial.

My old boss had a similar fail on his Bentley at MOT time as the Bentley brakes used a very similar system, mechanical rather than hydraulic, as an early ABS system. Took my mate ages to convince the MOT guys of this (this was in Sweden in the 70's).

[Northern_Mike]

Yes, I have apologised to Simon for suggesting he may be a pillock, it was out of order. Stressful times here. My bad. I'd have deleted the post but couldn't do so.

Of course, anyone who drives around with faulty brakes is still a pillock but this is not what Simon suggested

[Northern_Mike]

I'm with Simon on this.
I used to load my GS up with paving stones and Calor gas bottles every couple of weeks purely to prevent the rear brakes seizing through lack of use. With only a driver in the car the rear brakes hardly came on at all and a bit of exercise was extremely beneficial.

My old boss had a similar fail on his Bentley at MOT time as the Bentley brakes used a very similar system, mechanical rather than hydraulic, as an early ABS system. Took my mate ages to convince the MOT guys of this (this was in Sweden in the 70's).

Maybe you're all right. I've just never had the problem in the 6 Xantia and 2 XMs I've had to MOT.

Could it be down to driving style? I rarely have anything in the boot and more than £20 or so of fuel in at any one time unless I'm on a long journey.

However :

a) I drive like a complete loony on the country roads, and have nearly always worked odd hours, so there is never much traffic and it's safe to do so, so the brakes may get a decent workout after all.

b) I always used to do a good 15 min Citraerobics session every month. During this, I'd put the car on max height, put my foot on the footbrake, then move the lever to the bottom. The brakes would have to hold the weight of the car up as the suspension went down. Used to hold it on the brakes 3 or 4 times, then each time it would thump to the bump stops immediately. I never had a problem with brakes.

NB: Rattiva's brakes were already shagged out when I got it..

[myglaren]

I'm with Simon on this.
I used to load my GS up with paving stones and Calor gas bottles every couple of weeks purely to prevent the rear brakes seizing through lack of use. With only a driver in the car the rear brakes hardly came on at all and a bit of exercise was extremely beneficial.

My old boss had a similar fail on his Bentley at MOT time as the Bentley brakes used a very similar system, mechanical rather than hydraulic, as an early ABS system. Took my mate ages to convince the MOT guys of this (this was in Sweden in the 70's).

Maybe you're all right. I've just never had the problem in the 6 Xantia and 2 XMs I've had to MOT.

Could it be down to driving style? I rarely have anything in the boot and more than £20 or so of fuel in at any one time unless I'm on a long journey.

However :

a) I drive like a complete loony on the country roads, and have nearly always worked odd hours, so there is never much traffic and it's safe to do so, so the brakes may get a decent workout after all.

b) I always used to do a good 15 min Citraerobics session every month. During this, I'd put the car on max height, put my foot on the footbrake, then move the lever to the bottom. The brakes would have to hold the weight of the car up as the suspension went down. Used to hold it on the brakes 3 or 4 times, then each time it would thump to the bump stops immediately. I never had a problem with brakes.

NB: Rattiva's brakes were already shagged out when I got it..

There is some likelihood of this Mike. Depending on where I am and if there is anyone with me I'd say that I drive quite moderately if not quite sedately but I do rarely use the brakes so they get very little exercise other than when I chuck a ton of crap in the boot and brake at every corner.

Never tried b). Interesting.

I do tend to alarm unsuspecting passengers by accelerating through corners and roundabouts, never slow down for them and certainly never brake. I would be lethal in an Activa.

Thanks for apologising to Simon. Shows what a gentleman you really are. We can all be touched off by things conceived in the wrong light.

[Hell Razor5543]

I try to do a Citrobic run while my washing is drying at the launderette. Takes about 30 minutes, so 20 minutes of exercise. However, I will have to add the brakes bit to the routine.

[Northern_Mike]

Obviously, once it's risen and you have it on the brakes,it can't go back down as the wheelbase changes slightly. So put the lever to low, leave it, and you'll feel the brakes holding it up. The front will drop as normal. Once it's down, I used to hold it for a while,then release the pedal. The rear just drops like a stone. Can't remember who told me to do this, it was a reputable Cit specialist though, many moons ago.

[KennyW]

Guys,

I have been reading the postings with interest and I started a new post re the brake efficiency problem. It looks like new citrobatics for me as well.

The only thing I can say is I never had this problem with my 1.9TD estate, strange

Kenny

P.S. Another thought I have not travelled to France the last couple of years, the boot was it usually loaded but filled with wine on the return journey. My friend who owns a garage has tested my car for smoke emissions and it is so low. I wonder if it would be worth giving it a run on the rolling road and checking the brake efficiencies then.

[Hell Razor5543]

I got to try the brake trick this morning, and it works both up and down. Gracie moved a bit quick though; on the way down she nearly dropped me into the back seat, while on the way up I nearly nutted myself on the windscreen!

[isisalar]

I've just tried the brake thing and the car would not stay up. It came down slowly with some nasty groaning noises.
What does this indicate?
Cheers
Paul

[Northern_Mike]

I've just tried the brake thing and the car would not stay up. It came down slowly with some nasty groaning noises.
What does this indicate?
Cheers
Paul

I believe this to be poor rear brake performance. Have visual check of the discs and pads, see if the wear pattern is even, or if there is rust on the friction surfaces.

[KennyW]

Mike,
Just looked at your reply to Paul's posting. My discs appear to be working fine. It may be done to lack of use. Will be doing a bit of the new citroebotics soon as SWMBO returns with vehicle.

Kenny