brake pedal travel

[froggy]

Hi my 1997 Xantia TD. normally the brakes on my Xantia are superb but resently, when Cold, the brake pedal travels a long way before the brakes grip! when warm they are perfect. should I be thinking of changing the l.h.m? any thoughts, any help greatfully received, Terry.

[Northern_Mike]

Hi my 1997 Xantia TD. normally the brakes on my Xantia are superb but resently, when Cold, the brake pedal travels a long way before the brakes grip! when warm they are perfect. should I be thinking of changing the l.h.m? any thoughts, any help greatfully received, Terry.

Have you checked the pads? I'd start there...

[Old-Guy]

Before checking the pads, I'd check the LHM level (engine running, suspension on high, wait for level in sight-glass to settle). If the pads are OK, bleed the brakes - probably horrible brown LHM in the callipers. You'll need to take around 1/4L out of each of the rear callipers because the lines go all the way forward from the A/S sphere to the Doseur valve and then back to each calliper. All that length is a dead-end - unlike the suspension circuit in which the LHM circulates. Of course if the LHM hasn't been changed for four or five years, it's probably all a rather yellowish-green instead of bright clear green.