Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Steve Brookman on 24 March 2009, 07:47:32

Title: Brakes
Post by: Steve Brookman on 24 March 2009, 07:47:32

Hello all.

Have just replaced the 2.5 Omega estate I had for 8 years with a 3 litre Elite estate.
I am a little disappointed with the brakes on the Elite-they need quite a firm push and there is a lot more pedal travel than my previous estate.
The pads look ok and the previous owner had new discs fitted last year.
Is there any way of improving the brakes as it's the wifes car and I'll also be using it to tow a largish caravan.

Regards

Steve

Title: Re: Brakes
Post by: jonathanh on 24 March 2009, 07:52:15

check everything over on the brakes: servo working? fluid replaced.  You may also want to replace discs and pad with VX kit as some aftermarket ones can be hard

Generally speaking the omega brakes are progressive, very different to the modern ford focus type brakes.  In other words, you have to press the pedal to get brakes on rather than simply touch it. BUT if you really want to stop then the stopping power is very good (demonstrated by Mr plod who pretty much never uprated the braking system on their vehicles)

Title: Re: Brakes
Post by: dbug on 24 March 2009, 08:43:06

Check both front and rear pads & calliper function.  May also require bleedind/fluid change.

Title: Re: Brakes
Post by: mkaminski100 on 24 March 2009, 12:49:44

I had the same problem. Brakes in my estate were really good and I just had to touch the pedal to stop the car. Then I bought a CD with grooved/drilled discs and green stuff pads and it was shi.. I thought it’s fluid, calipers etc but finally I replaced discs and pads and suddenly new CD got a new braking power!
So it’s not always fluid or calipers, more often it’s a poor aftermarket discs and pads. And now I have the same problem in my next Omega. I’ll start from fluid and pads but I think I know what’s gonna happened.

Title: Re: Brakes
Post by: TECHNOPUG on 24 March 2009, 16:37:56

Bare in mind that after-market (performance orientated) pads will be a harder compound that can take greater heat than stock and therefore more abuse before the overheat and fade. However, they also require a higher temperature before working efficiently. Hence why there is greater pedal travel and less braking performance from cold.

Title: Re: Brakes
Post by: Steve Brookman on 24 March 2009, 17:41:45

Thanks again.

i'll have alook at the discs again-are Autovaux ones any good?

Thanks

steve

Title: Re: Brakes
Post by: miggcddave on 24 March 2009, 17:57:08

hi steve my brakes were like that when i had my car first . the front calipers were a bit rusted and holding pads back . once cleaned up all was ok . if it helps you  :y

Title: Re: Brakes
Post by: Tony H on 24 March 2009, 22:15:42

I've always found the meegas brakes very good VX discs and pads fitted.

Title: Re: Brakes
Post by: dbug on 25 March 2009, 00:23:28

Quote

Thanks again.

i'll have alook at the discs again-are Autovaux ones any good?

Thanks

steve

Only fit genuine Vx discs/pads to front - Autovax probably not genuine Vx.  

Title: Re: Brakes
Post by: jb on 25 March 2009, 07:51:48

pads seized or partially seized in the rear caliper carrier is often the cause of spongy brakes- after market pads often need the paint sanding down from the pad baking contact area and a good file down of the carrier to get free movement.

Title: Re: Brakes
Post by: mkaminski100 on 27 March 2009, 22:41:52

Brakes in my Omega are poor comparing to first MIG I had. Today I decided to check why - cheap after market discs, cheap pads, and everything in perfect condition. So if I will keep this car, I'll have to replace almost new discs and pads. :(
Don't try to save money on cheap brakes, it's just not worth it.