205 Gti Brake Problem

[rachel_kgr]

Hiya,

Once again I am trying another major piece of work on my 205 1.9 Gti. (1989)

Yesterday I replaced the front disks and pads. Today I have replaced the rear pads (not the disks as they were fine).

Problem:

I have bled the system (Dot 4 fluid), The front right and front left were easy, as was the rear left (sitting in drivers seat. However, no fluid is coming out of the rear right!!!! I have removed the nipple, and not a drop is coming through. The peddle remains hard when pushed. The disk spins with the handbrake up, and when the foot brake is depressed!! Basically, it looks seized, I had no problem screwing the piston back in when fitting the pads!!!

I have heard that the compensators can block up, I don't really want to remove them as the lines are old, and once you start you can create a whole bigger mess....

Any advice welcome!!!

Thanks as always guys...

Rachel

[fredd1e]

The flexible hoses sometimes break up inside causing a blockage. Happened to the front nearside on an old 205gti I used to own.

[R5GTTGaz]

Have you 'worked' the compensator for a bit. Then jam it fully open for bleeding.

[Simes205]

I've experienced similar it sounds like the compensator to me. On the 1.9 there is one for each of the rear wheels just in front of the fuel tank.
The bearing inside it just gets stuck - I've only ever heard of replacing them for new - either way it will have to come off. Be careful as the brake pipe it is attached to can flex\twist\bend\snap easily.

Edited by Simes205 on Monday 20th October 08:04

[screwloose]

Are you on 205 gti drivers Rachel? If not its a great source for all things 205!
Where abouts in London are you based because there are a few owners in and around London.

Jonny

Edited by screwloose on Monday 20th October 10:49

[TEKNOPUG]

Gonna be a process of elimination. Remove the brake pipe from the caliper. If still no fluid comes out then you've got a line blockage - probably the compensator. If fluid does comes out then the caliper is at fault. Best just to buy a new caliper - they aren't very expensive. Remember that the calipers can be found in many cars: 205, 309, 306, ZX maybe even 307 - they are all the same. The rear lines do corrode - only thing my car ever failed an MoT on - so worth budgeting for their replacement in the not too distant future.

[Ponk]

TEKNOPUG said:

Gonna be a process of elimination. Remove the brake pipe from the caliper. If still no fluid comes out then you've got a line blockage - probably the compensator. If fluid does comes out then the caliper is at fault. Best just to buy a new caliper - they aren't very expensive. Remember that the calipers can be found in many cars: 205, 309, 306, ZX maybe even 307 - they are all the same. The rear lines do corrode - only thing my car ever failed an MoT on - so worth budgeting for their replacement in the not too distant future.

If they are the same as 306's they will also be the same as the sporty 106's and Saxo's. Does sound like the compensator has seized up though.

[rachel_kgr]

Hi Simes,

Replaced the other compensator also. Brakes are brilliant now, I suspect it had been blocked awhile!!!

Still trying to work out why the gear stick wobbles, I have had all the engine mounts changed and as you know all 3 gear links!!! I am becoming obsessed with this I know, but its really annoying!!!

Rachel

[megamaniac]

Have the innner joints of the driveshafts checked , a common cause of gearlever shake.

[Simes205]

Lower engine mount or gearbox mount.

The gearbox one is the easiest to change.

[the_stoat]

Also don't forget to try tightening you where the gear linkage mounts to the sub frame. This can induce wobble when it slackens itself off.

[Soton Pug]

just don't do what I did, went ott with the big spanner and ruined the thread in the sub frame, trust me it causes all kinds of hassel. It's not good loosing your gears because the bolt has come out!
Sp

[Simes205]

Engine end - there's a bolt with a ball? on the top that goes through the subframe. This normally wobbles a bit but gets worse when really loose. They snap when you overtighten!!

[rachel_kgr]

Thanks Simes, will take a look over Christmas, when I am at my parents....They have a big driveway and ramps!!

Rachel

[rachel_kgr]

Hey, after replacing the disks, pads and compensators!!!! My brakes totally failed on the M4....no braking at all. One of the lines broke!!!! (Back off side just past the Compensator).

I thought that when you lost a brake line, because the lines are diagonal, you only lost half the braking, but nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! Lost all braking......nearly met GOD!!!

What fun...still the AA chap was fun!!

Rachel

[TEKNOPUG]

The the solid lines do corrode at the back. Not an expensive replacement though.

[Simes205]

TEKNOPUG said:

The the solid lines do corrode at the back. Not an expensive replacement though.

It only cost me around £70 odd for the Automec kit to replace all the lines.
Dropping the fuel tank is a bit boring though.

[rachel_kgr]

Thanks Simes. Well that the brakes are done.

I am looking at the seals problem (smoking issue), do you know anyone in London or SE who could do the job at a reasonable price?? (In fact also they could tell me if that is actually the problem?)

Thanks

Rach

PS...Thought the pics of your 205 on 205drivers were excellent!!!

[Simes205]

rachel_kgr said:

Thanks Simes.



PS...Thought the pics of your 205 on 205drivers were excellent!!!

Thanks - do you mean these? As this is what happened to my car 2 weeks ago.





http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569792957VEgq...

[TimmerTVR]

Noooo thats tragic!!