Colerne Airfield and Spongy Brakes

[m12gto3r]

I spend Saturday (24th March) at Colerne airfield hooning round during a Motor sports events track day and haven’t had so much fun in ages. I have heard that Colerne has the best surface of any airfield track in the country, I’ve only driven one other airfield so I couldn’t comment but I can say that it is very good and the track layout kept me engaged for the whole day. It was a fantastic day with a variety of cars from standard Z4’s a couple of stripped out pugs and of course loads of caterams, exiges and elises. Unfortunately someone rolled their car but thankfully walked away un hurt. Then again, what did he expect, he was driving a modified smart car. Not the sports car spec but just the normal city car. WHY??

The Noble went well all day and even though I’m no pro driver I had the legs most of the other machinery. However, the brakes became progressively spongier throughout the day which I put down to heat build up. But after taking the car out for a drive on Sunday the brake pedal travel is still a bit long and still feels spongy. There is still plenty of life left in the pads so what could be wrong. Problem with the brake fluid maybe??? Any suggestions much appreciated.

[adrian w]

Sounds like you boiled them, i'd suggest you get the fluid changed.

[GTO400]

Would also check your nearside rear wheel hub nut, if you have an original they work loose and cause the disc to push the pads back causing a long pedal on first application.

[Humpy]

GTO400 said:

Would also check your nearside rear wheel hub nut, if you have an original they work loose and cause the disc to push the pads back causing a long pedal on first application.

Do you know the torque setting for the hub nut?

H

[GTO400]

I think it's 270Nm

[Humpy]

GTO400 said:

I think it's 270Nm

You were right. It is 270Nm (all round), I checked with the factory. Thanks

H

Edited by Humpy on Monday 26th March 22:38

[m12gto3r]

Ok thanks guys. I'll change the fluid on the weekend. Is it a difficult job or can any muppet like me do it. Also, should I be using any specific fluid?

[joust]

Using a pressure bleeder is advisable if you are doing it single handed.

J

[joust]

Sorry - DOT5.1 is recommended.

Shell Advance Brake Plus DOT 5.1 is the factory recommended one.

J