Brake Failure

[Guest MartyK]

Hi, I'm new to the club and am a lifelong citroen person -owned different models since 1987! I had 2 experiences ( within 4 weeks) of brake failure on the new C5. On both occasions the brake did not function for about 1 - 2 secs, and was ok subsequently. Both incidences happened within a few minutes of starting. I love the car but this is scary. Anyone else had this experience?

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

What were the symptoms and were the brake discs wet from rain ?

[Guest MartyK]

Welcome to the forum.

What were the symptoms and were the brake discs wet from rain ?

 

 

Hi Paul.h

1st occasion; on starting the car in the morning, reversed ( braked ok) and then moved forward. On moving forward pressed the brake pedal to slow down/stop but no response, it worked a second or so later having pressed the pedal either a 2nd or 3rd time.

 

2nd occasion: was driving forward approx 2 mins after starting the car in the morning. ( had braked ok initially on reversing as on the 1st occasion). Depressed foot bake but no reaction . Worked the second time of the foot brake was pressed.

On both occasions , when the foot pedal was pressed - there was little or no resistance and the car kept moving forward.

My recollection is that there was rain both mornings or during the previous night, but the car was not driven through water, and the discs may have been damp but not necessarily wet. To summarise, on both occasions the brake failed on going forward at slow speed shortly after been started.

[paul.h]

What model/year car is it, how many miles, when were brakes last serviced (miles/date).

Maybe the brakes need a clean to remove brake dust which is causing the pads to stick or pistons are seized or pads are worn out or maybe a brake fluid leak - is the fluid level ok ? I would have a good look over the entire system with each wheel removed and make sure all is ok checking for wear and leaks and faults with the brake hoses such as bulges. If possible have a helper to push the brake pedal whilst you check each brake hose and each wheel is free to turn and then stops when the pedal is pushed. Remember to set the suspension to max height before jacking up unless you have the mark 3 C5 without hydraulic suspension.

[Guest MartyK]

Hi

 

I see that there is a related topic on the citroenpicasso site titled 'Start Up Brake Problem Long delay before foot brake works' which mentions a 'lazy' brake servo pump as a possible cause for slow operation of foot brake shortly after start up.

Also in discussing the problem with a mechanic - the servo pump was suggested as the likely culprit.

 

My car is a 2009 Citroen C5 exclusive, 22,000 miles and last serviced in Aug 2010.

[Randombloke]

Hi

 

I see that there is a related topic on the citroenpicasso site titled 'Start Up Brake Problem Long delay before foot brake works' which mentions a 'lazy' brake servo pump as a possible cause for slow operation of foot brake shortly after start up.

Also in discussing the problem with a mechanic - the servo pump was suggested as the likely culprit.

 

 

This would lead to the pedal being very stiff, not offering no resistance.

 

No resistance is either fade with boiled brake fluid or air trapped in the system which needs to be bled.

 

Seeing as your problem happened first thing I would suggest bleeding is needed.

[paul.h]

22000 miles is more than enough for the brakes to need a good clean which is outside of normal servicing but I would have thought not enough for anything to be worn out and you did not mention the abs/esp lights coming on as if there could be an electrical fault. At least if there is a fault, apart from wear and tear, then the warranty should cover it.

 

Additional thought - how does the electric handbrake work, could the problem have something to do with this ?

 

Apart from the brakes, what do you think of the new C5, is it the saloon or tourer, diesel or petrol, have you tried towing with it (just thinking about my next car) ?

[Johndouglas]

 

My car is a 2009 Citroen C5 exclusive,

 

 

Surely the dealer should fix this on warranty?