Xsara Pic MOT failure for brake and exhaust

[Oliver53]

Did they not even warrant an advisory on the MOT?

Nothing on the MOT about that, neither this one nor the previous ones. I didn't know that until I started working on the brakes.

[Oliver53]

That brake hose is shocking not to have had an advisory even at last year's test.

Yeah that's shocking. I will have to have a look at the front brakes myself...Hope everything is fine.

[old-un77]

I guess that the auto adjust on the rear brakes, is done by handbrake pull? how many H/brake clicks is the normal? On Mine one click brake is on, two clicks its REALLY on......

[Oliver53]

MOT re-test PASSed!
Brake shoes, cylinders, rubber hoses, central exhaust pipe and silencer are all brand new now. Had to take the cylinders off with pipes still on it and use heat to tackle the stubborn union nuts.
Many thanks for your help guys.

[Oliver53]

I guess that the auto adjust on the rear brakes, is done by handbrake pull? how many H/brake clicks is the normal? On Mine one click brake is on, two clicks its REALLY on......

The auto adjust is done by pumping brake pedal. It only needs 2 hand brake clicks to hold my picasso on a small slope. I think yours is normal coz my previous picasso only needed 1 click in most cases.

[JohnD]

Nice when you get a good result like that. Makes it all worth while.

[old-un77]

oops long time not see........Oliver thanks ....I was thinking about limited travel not allowing adjuster advance on the ratchet.....

[Pug_XUD_KeenAmateur]

glad to see its sorted. Slightly belatedly, I found the exact same problem with brake unions (10mm too small, 11mm too big, including using a Flare Wrench). A 13/16 imperial spanner fits much better.

And.... the brakes look very similar to my 405. Same axle?

[Oliver53]

glad to see its sorted. Slightly belatedly, I found the exact same problem with brake unions (10mm too small, 11mm too big, including using a Flare Wrench). A 13/16 imperial spanner fits much better.

And.... the brakes look very similar to my 405. Same axle?

Yeah that thing is definitely between 10-11mm even when it is new. Weird size.

I didn't know 405 used the same axle but just googled pictures, yes it's the same arrangement, trailing arm independent suspension with torsion bar, as used in zx, 306, 205, 206, xsara...