164 24v Cloverleaf brakes

My Alfa is pretty much perfect apart from one issue and that's the brakes. Every other cloverleaf I've driven has had awesome brakes but this one doesn't stop properly. The discs, pads and calipers have all been checked and everything appears fine. Was wondering if anyone here could shed some light on what else might be causing the problem.

If I hit the brakes hard, the pedal is firm and the brakes feel quite weak. I have to squeeze them on progressively if I want to stop quickly but even then the brakes aren't great. Normally on a cloverleaf the brakes are very impressive.

Any ideas guys?

ABS?

Wrong pad compound?

what pattern do you get - really crap when cold, better when warm etc?

Have you changed brake fluid recently?

Welcome!

They have a reputation for being marginal on the 164. Maybe look towards beter compounds like Ferodo DS2500 or similar (assuming they can be obtained).

I never had any concerns with the brakes on my various 164s but I have not driven a Cloverleaf. Assuming the pads and disks are correct, I would start with the basics eg change the brake fluid, check the servos, and then the brake lines.

From memory, I think there was a common problem with the rear calipers sticking

Rear calipers are pointed out annually at MOT time!

I have a set of new unused front Tarox Rally pads, and a set of new unused front Tarox Corsa pads for my 12V Cloverleaf that I bought a few months back (i've gone through 2 sets of Tarox Corsa pads since i've had the car - they do stop it nicely)

Don't need them now as I fitted a Brembo Gran Turismo kit in September. Was going to ebay them shortly...

Originally Posted by HowardA

ABS?

Wrong pad compound?

what pattern do you get - really crap when cold, better when warm etc?

Have you changed brake fluid recently?

the ABS works ok but it takes a while to kick in because the car is so poor on the brakes. it requires a lot of pressure.

the brakes are marginally better when they warm up but not much.

i was wondering about the fluid as i'm sure that hasn't been changed for while. maybe i should do that first.

Originally Posted by mudhut

Welcome!

They have a reputation for being marginal on the 164. Maybe look towards beter compounds like Ferodo DS2500 or similar (assuming they can be obtained).

i changed the pads quite recently to ones that were recommended by an Alfa Specialist and they made no difference. the pads that came out were still in pretty good condition. i did wonder about the discs though but they look ok.

Originally Posted by lowejackson

I never had any concerns with the brakes on my various 164s but I have not driven a Cloverleaf. Assuming the pads and disks are correct, I would start with the basics eg change the brake fluid, check the servos, and then the brake lines.

From memory, I think there was a common problem with the rear calipers sticking

yes you're right, my rear calipers were sticking but after that was solved the braking was no better so it could be one of the other things that is the problem.

Originally Posted by dex

Rear calipers are pointed out annually at MOT time!

I have a set of new unused front Tarox Rally pads, and a set of new unused front Tarox Corsa pads for my 12V Cloverleaf that I bought a few months back (i've gone through 2 sets of Tarox Corsa pads since i've had the car - they do stop it nicely)

Don't need them now as I fitted a Brembo Gran Turismo kit in September. Was going to ebay them shortly...

thanks for the offer but I've got stacks of pads!

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thanks for all your help, chaps. i think i'll start with brake fluid. i'm on my third cloverleaf and normally the brakes are exceptional. it's a shame because of the three i'vehad, this one is my favourite and in best condition. if the brakes were spot on like the other two it would be so much more enjoyable to drive. as perfect as an alfa can get!