I have a 1997 ford fiesta flight. It failed part of its MOT for back brake efficiency. The brakes were 47% efficient and needed to be at least 50% efficient as far as i know. They did not tell me what was wrong with the brakes, i was told it would cost me to find out what it could be. I was wondering what the problem would be, as far as i can tell the brakes work fine, they dont make any noises as i brake, everything works fine as far as i can tell. What could the problem be and is their a way i could test it to find out , and how could i go about fixing it.
Thanks.
2007-07-02 05:16:03 · 12 answers · asked by jamie123 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
Also the back two tyres were just below the limit, would this affect the back brakes enough to get it through its mot if i put two new back tyres on.
2007-07-02 07:01:44 · update #1
Based on TEN YEARS old I would suspect the brake shoes need changing - that's all.
Worst case scenario - you have a leak in one brake cylinder - suspect brake shoes if they've never been changed
2007-07-02 05:19:58 · answer #1 · answered by jamand 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They could not tell you what the cause of the brake inefficiency was without stripping and checking, for which they would want paying. Several answers already given are legitimate causes of your problem. Worn shoes, sticking adjusters and possible contamination. Another contributory factor could also be worn brake drums if the mileage is high.
Brake fluid requires changing every three years. Brake fluid is Hygroscopic and becomes contaminated with water (moisture in the air). You will only know about it when you need the brakes in an emergency when they decide not to work. You could be prosecuted if that were to happen for failing to maintain in a roadworthy condition.
If your tyres are below the legal limit, whilst they will not have anything to do with your brake problem they are illegal. If stopped you will get six points on your licence and a fine. Rotating them will not add more tread. They measure it, that is why they have failed.
2007-07-02 11:40:41 · answer #2 · answered by fwh 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi,
Most of the vehicles braking is done by the front brakes. The rear brakes start to work when you are carrying loads i.e. The more weight in the back, the more they work.
If you dont carry much weight they wont work that often and could seize slightly affecting performance.
OR
You could have a brake fluid leak which would soak into the brake pad and affect friction(performance).
The later will get worse and could lead to full brake faliure.
Either way, if you do not know how your brakes work do NOT try to fix it yourself. This could be extremly dangerous.
If you are concerned the garage is ripping you off ask all your friends/relatives for the number of a trustworthy mechanic, Someone will know one.
Monkey
2007-07-02 05:33:45 · answer #3 · answered by Monkey 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
tyres dont affect the brakes,they may affect distance on the road, the problem with you car is either new brake shoes or just simply adjustment, something most people leave to the self adjusters,and then dont service the self adjusters which in turn seize up,and cause your problem, the best remedy would be to buy a haynes manual or get someone to do the job,
get the book and try diy,they are qed.
2007-07-02 08:22:43 · answer #4 · answered by slowlaner 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the thing is since its a 97 it might have drum or a rotor
most probably if its a rotor the replacement for pads is cheap
if its a drum its going to be more
again if its a drum, since you say the brakes work fine it might be
a cylinder leak, being as how you do not notice that the rear brakes fail your only braking with your good front brakes
if you don't want to go through all that hastle pay him a 100 bucks to pass you illegaly
2007-07-02 05:30:57 · answer #5 · answered by nolo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them to quote you a price for the brake job then take that written quote to an independant garage and ask them their opinion.
To be honest, it sounds like your getting ripped off
2007-07-02 05:22:00 · answer #6 · answered by paul g 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yep, change shoes and check cylinders at the same time (though you would notice brake fluid going down from reservoir).
2007-07-02 05:24:53 · answer #7 · answered by Severance 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They might only need adjusting, as for the tyres, change them anyway " you said they were below the legal limit"
Good Luck
Paul
2007-07-02 15:31:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put new brakes and rotate the tires and go back for an inspection, hope this helps
2007-07-02 09:11:51 · answer #9 · answered by JT B ford man 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when my car failed it's MOT - on quite alot I might add! - the garage said they'd look at the work and give me a quote to get it all fixed, and they wouldn't charge for this. They shouldn't charge just for looking at something to give you a quote for the repair. RIP OFF GARAGE!!
2007-07-02 20:22:28 · answer #10 · answered by julieh88 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋