Torque shop: Upgrading an old car’s brakes
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Stopping technology: The braking system is worth an overhaul to ensure optimal performance in an older car.
PHOTO: VOLKSWAGEN
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I am giving my car a comprehensive makeover as I have decided to revalidate its certificate of entitlement. What brake servicing or upgrading should I be looking into for a 10-year-old car with 170,000km?
Most of the main components of a car’s braking system are designed to function reliably and can outlast the engine or transmission. Nonetheless, there are a few tasks necessary to maintain the best possible braking performance beyond 10 years.
The first of these is to completely renew the brake fluid. Hydraulic fluid in the braking system is not a consumable, but will inevitably experience chemical degradation over time.
Fluid at the calliper end is subjected to high temperatures during braking. This is why it has a boiling point of more than 200 deg C. Cyclic temperature changes hasten the process of its deterioration.
Also, as the brake reservoir is vented to atmosphere, some moisture ingress is inevitable and, over time, causes the boiling point to drop and parts in the circuit to develop corrosion.
The original fluid must be flushed out and the system refilled with fresh brake fluid of the correct specifications for your car.
Most of the hydraulic piping from the brake master pump to the individual wheels is made from aluminium or copper tubes. From the chassis to the wheel calliper, brake fluid is channelled through flexible rubber hoses to accommodate suspension movements.
Although rubber hoses are not components that are periodically replaced, on a 10-year-old car, these hoses would have become a little too elastic. During hard braking, there is a tendency for them to bulge, giving a mushy pedal feel. It is advisable to have all the flexible hoses replaced, even if they appear to be fine.
New hoses will have the immediate effect of a more positive brake pedal feel and quicker braking response. For even better performance, consider substituting the originals with slightly more expensive steel braided hoses that will enhance feel and braking performance.
New brake discs, especially those in front, are not a priority. But if they have never been replaced before, it would be prudent to do so. Even if you do not notice the small improvement in stopping power, you will be impressed with the smooth retardation whenever you hit the brake pedal.
There is no urgency or need to rebuild the brake master pump or callipers, unless a leak is found on any of these components.
