Attempting to get my 2004 Copen back on the road and I'm having fun with the brakes! Replaced all pads, painted calipers, reconditioned master cylinder, bled everything twice. When the car is stationary the brakes are firm, when I take the car out on the road the brakes are squishy? Any suggestions on how to fix greatly appreciated!
sounds like something with the brake booster when the engine is off the brakes will become very hard but should soften up immediately when the engine is started. try this and see what happens engine off, press brakes a bunch till they are hard, hold brake down a little bit, turn on engine. did you feel the pedal become soft? if not then there's a problem. Check hoses for damage you also mention the master cylinder was reconditioned, why and by who? check it is operating correctly, no leaks for example.
Sounds perfectly normal for a car with servo brakes. As long as when you press the pedal it does not keep dropping to the floor in which case you have a hydraulic leak and have a problem.
Thanks for the replies, maybe I'm just being to critical and obviously not having driven the car for 10 years, forgetful. After replacing front brakes including rotors, back pads were only 50% worn so left as is. Filled and bled system. Brakes seemed okay. Then noticed fluid drip which was from master cylinder. Removed master cylinder, brother in law refurbished it with new O rings and what not (he builds racing cars for fun), put it back in the car with clean gasket and re bled the whole system. Yes when stationary and off the brakes get real solid when pumped. When car started resistance from peddle happens about 40-50% depressed. Nothing is leaking after a couple of days up and down the street. The brakes are working car stops pretty quick. Brother in law says I should adjust back brakes to remove slack because they're 50% worn. Car is booked in for roadworthy (mot) on Thursday everything else seems ok. Again thanks for previous replies
The car passed roadworthy certification (mot) so brakes must be okay. Thanks again for you replies. Now what colour to paint it that'll match the new brake colour? Hmmmm!
