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Old 12-21-2010, 04:39 AM   #1
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Very little brake

Its -10 degrees here in the UK and my Boxster brakes are not working?
The brake pedal is very hard under foot and the brakes are only 10% working which is obviously a concern.
Has anyone got any ideas?

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Old 12-21-2010, 05:02 AM   #2
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when was the last time the fluid was flushed? It should be done every 2 years - more often if vehicle is tracked...
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Old 12-21-2010, 05:15 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Burg Boxster
when was the last time the fluid was flushed? It should be done every 2 years - more often if vehicle is tracked...
The fluid was changed about 14 months ago?
This problem only occures at below freezing point?
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Old 12-21-2010, 06:03 AM   #4
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Does the breaking performance improve as you drive a bit?

I'm no expert, but it sounds like there is moisture in the brake fluid that is freezing. A fluid flush should fix this.
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Old 12-21-2010, 06:09 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stroked & Blown
Does the breaking performance improve as you drive a bit?

I'm no expert, but it sounds like there is moisture in the brake fluid that is freezing. A fluid flush should fix this.
Not in this weather, only if the temperature outside warms up?
I would tend to agree that there may be moisture somewhere that is frezzing with the climate. I would have thought that if moisture got into the brake fluid it would tend to give a sponge effect on the brake pedal which it doesn't.
I will try a full flush when we get a spell over frezzing point.
Thank you for your advice
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Old 12-21-2010, 08:00 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J60SON
I will try a full flush when we get a spell over frezzing point.
YIKES

Not only for your safety but more importantly for the other innocent drivers/pedestrians out there, get the fluid flush done ASAP before you drive the car on public roads again - regardless of temps (tow it to a heated workshop or service center). You obviously have a braking issue which is only exacerbated by the current cold temps.
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Old 12-21-2010, 01:32 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J60SON
Not in this weather, only if the temperature outside warms up?
I would tend to agree that there may be moisture somewhere that is frezzing with the climate. I would have thought that if moisture got into the brake fluid it would tend to give a sponge effect on the brake pedal which it doesn't.
I will try a full flush when we get a spell over frezzing point.
Thank you for your advice
Brakes have a "sponge effect" when 1) air is trapped in the system or 2) moisture in the fluid is actually boiling due to heavy use like at a track.
If you have moisture in the fluid and its freezing in the ABS unit, calipers or lines, it gives the brake pedal a very wooden feel. Or you could have a faulty booster diaphragm.
You must stop using the car or flush the system immediately - driving with 10% braking capacity is totally irresponsible ......

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Last edited by Steve Tinker; 12-21-2010 at 01:35 PM.
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