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The mkiv Supra Owners Club

Brakes that don't brake!


SkinnBa

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Hi guys,

 

Ever since i've had the Supra I haven't really been that happy with the brakes. I got taken out in all the Supra's I went in so have nothing to compare this one to.

 

My car has the UK size brakes and well the pedal doesn't bite until half way down and even though I say bite it really isn't that good. So I bought Motul fluid, new OEM discs, Chris Wilson pads and notice I have braided lines on the front...After all of this the braking is more or less what it was before :(

 

I've only done about 100 miles on the new set-up and haven't really hit them hard, but my base spec Nissan Sunny brakes better!!

 

Any thoughts, don't think it's air in the system because it was like it before the fluid change?

 

Dan.

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Thanks for the input guys.

 

Just been out and pumped it :eyebrows: After about 3 presses it got firmer, but I could still press the pedal half of the way with a little force. Just before it got to the end of it's travel there was a noise, sounded like a quiet motor is the best way to describe it.

 

It made the noise before the fluid change too.

 

I don't believe this is a Jap to UK as the hub backing plate is UK sized.

 

Dan.

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with the engine off, having pumped the brakes a few times, does it hold pressure, or does the pedal slowly sink to the floor?

if it sinks you either have a leak, or the master cylinder is knackered.

 

If not the master cylinder may be ok... have you had a good go at bleeding it properly.. with a friend to pump while you bleed?

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The noise you mention is most likely fluid squirting past the seals in the master cylinder. That's the reason you're having to press half way down to get pressure.

The seals are knackered and only seal against the bore when some pressure has built up and pushed them against the sides. This can only get worse!

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Hmmm it's sounding like master cylinder problems then, the pedal doesn't sink to the floor just stays half way. There are no leaks as the fluid is still on the max mark from earlier this year.

 

What is required, new seals or a new master cylinder?

 

Is there a guide for DIY?

 

Thanks.

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  • 1 month later...

**Update**

 

Got my supe back from the garage last week, the following work has been done to the car since the start of the year:

 

OEM discs

CW Pads (that rattle :()

5.1 Fluid

New braided lines

Cleaned up all the shims

 

The brakes are slightly better than they were with the new braided lines, but i'm still sure it isn't braking as it should. The garage were sure it didn't need a new master cylinder but did say 'Yeah the brakes on them can be a bit spongey can't they', one of the guys at the garage used to own a MKIV Supra, all three of them have driven it and say the brakes are fine!

 

I swapped cars with a mate at the weekend (he's got a 300zx) he actually thought my brakes were dangerous! So i'm stumped really, unless someone has a go in my car or I have a go in someone elses, any volunteers???

 

I'm sure that the brakes on this car should be better than they are, especially with the dinner plate sized discs!

 

Thanks,

 

Dan.

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I have braided lines, oem discs and cw pads, and my car stops pretty damn well... Really does sound like master cylinder.

 

A seal issue might not be picked up by a garage... what garage did you use?

 

EDIT - Where in Essex are you??

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Cheers for the replies guys. The garage I use is Westfield Motors in Rayleigh http://www.westfieldmotors.co.uk/. They wouldn't just replace the seals because they say the inside of the cylinder gets scored over time and it's better to replace the whole unit. However, they didn't think it needed doing anyway.

 

I've never had the ABS kick in or locked the wheels, and don't think it will with the brakes as they are. I'm in Braintree so if there is anyone local i'd be interested to compare, I don't wanna blow a couple of hundred on a new master cylinder to only find the brakes are the same.

 

Not sure if they bled with the engine on or off - thought that only affected UK spec? Anyone have any input on this?

 

Anti-Squeel shims are still on, how much difference is made removing them?

 

Thanks.

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Cheers for the replies guys. The garage I use is Westfield Motors in Rayleigh http://www.westfieldmotors.co.uk/. They wouldn't just replace the seals because they say the inside of the cylinder gets scored over time and it's better to replace the whole unit. However, they didn't think it needed doing anyway.

 

I've never had the ABS kick in or locked the wheels, and don't think it will with the brakes as they are. I'm in Braintree so if there is anyone local i'd be interested to compare, I don't wanna blow a couple of hundred on a new master cylinder to only find the brakes are the same.

 

Not sure if they bled with the engine on or off - thought that only affected UK spec? Anyone have any input on this?

 

Anti-Squeel shims are still on, how much difference is made removing them?

 

Thanks.

NO, mines a J Spec. When the engine was off, i had a spongy pedal. If i pumped it a few times it went hard?, but as soon as i started the engine, it went softer again, so got them to bleed whilst engine running, and this worked? Its worth a try before you shell out on the M/C ;) :D

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Skinnba............have you checked this? you fitted the rear UK's yourself no?

 

Is the bleed nipple on the upper most part of the caliper?

 

 

READ THIS JUST IN CASE

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Already checked those, cheers though mate. Hoping someone will come up trumps and either try mine out or I could have a go in someone elses.

 

Just had a look in my manual and it says nothing about bleeding with the engine on or off. Food for thought though ;)

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i got a similar prob with my brakes; doesnt bite as it should, abs has never kicked in etc. & its been like it since i bought the car.

 

i changed the seals all round on the calipers, fitted braided hoses, new pads, & replaced the master cylinder but hasn't made a difference :(

 

i'll try bleeding them again with the engine on & let you know if it makes a difference ;)

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