Are BX brakes TOO good?

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Dollywobbler
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Are BX brakes TOO good?

Post by Dollywobbler »

I ask this after coming very, very close to smashing my super-rare BX estate into a Merc Sprinter on a tiny mountain road. My fault entirely - too much hoon - and it was only cadence braking (ie manual ABS) that allowed me to bring the BX to a somewhat skiddy halt with milimetres to spare. I really did think I was going to hit it.

What struck me is that in the heat of the moment, it's very, very difficult to moderate brake pedal pressure to find that sweet point that offers maximum braking without locking up. Modern cars can have brakes as sharp as a BX (and Mk1 BX brakes really are sharp) because they have ABS.

S'pose I've demonstrated that despite it's not-100% engine, the BX still can manage too quick! On the plus side, the handbrake is a hell of a lot better now! Tells you something about how much pedal pressure is needed to make it self-adjust.
citronut
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Post by citronut »

maybe you have air in your brake system

regards malcolm
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Dollywobbler
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Post by Dollywobbler »

The brakes are working fine and as expected Malcolm - they're just very good! Perhaps I'm just too used to the 2CV. Because you need more pedal pressure, it's a lot easier to adjust the pressure to find best braking.
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Tim Leech
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Post by Tim Leech »

Or you could just drive a bit slower! :wink:
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Dollywobbler
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Post by Dollywobbler »

Pffft! :wink:

Though I will take it easier on that single-track mountain road in future. :oops:
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Post by adamskibx »

If your used to a 2CV, BX brakes will feel inferior for this kind of situation. I have driven many types of cars, but the one with the most progressive brakes where that "sweet spot" can be found easiest was a Dyane. You could pick a point on the road and know that you can stop before it. I once had a fright in my Dyane when hurtling down a fast windy mountain road, and a T-Junction came out of nowhere. I thought I was a gonna, but the Dyane just stopped.
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citsncycles
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Post by citsncycles »

I believe that any Citroen with high pressure brakes are too good, but only because of the number that seem to be shunted from behind!
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Tim Leech
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Post by Tim Leech »

Even compared to the modern stuff I drive the BX brakes are impressive, I find the Mk1's to be even sharper. Mind you I dont hoon around single track roads................. :lol:
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BX Meteor
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Post by BX Meteor »

Anyone ever tried the "mushroom" brake pedal on a Citroen D :?:
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Post by KevR »

I generally agree that the BX brakes are hard to modulate and the 2CV's non-servo brakes offer a more linear feel but it's not just about the brakes... I've found the BX fronts are far more inclined to lock up when the struts are a bit sticky and/or the spheres are past their best - basically instead of the front of the car dipping and transferring weight onto the front contact patch, the suspension doesn't compress and the weight is acting to push the tyres along the tarmac. Especially noticeable when towing a trailer.
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citronut
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Post by citronut »

the only time i find hydraulic citroen brakes to sharp/fearce is when air is in the system,
what happens there is you loose your first braking presure on the pedel, so when you find some brakes it locks every thing up,

regards malcolm
curent ride
K reg BX 17TD TZD est
also own
K reg D special

no longer have
H reg CX saffari 2.5 TRI (now gone to Malaysia)
R reg xantia 1.9TD est (gone to meet its maker)
Dollywobbler
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Post by Dollywobbler »

I'm convinced there is nothing wrong with the brakes. They feel like hydraulic Citroen brakes should feel. Lots of stopping power.

Suspension is an interesting call. The spheres are hard and the car has been feeling a bit wayward. Maybe it's time I got them replaced. Well, I know it's time I got them replaced, just waiting for pay day! Full set of spheres including accumulator is my plan.
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Mike E (uk)
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Post by Mike E (uk) »

There's nothing like a near miss to help you wise up a bit.

Predicting the unexpected is what makes for safe driving.

Takes years to learn that, and even then we get it wrong sometimes.

Mike
la BX 16 soupapes: sachez apprecier avec moderation.



It might be clever now, but it won't be in the morning!
Dollywobbler
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Post by Dollywobbler »

Thing is, I'm very used to those roads. It was less about learning a lesson and more about the classic inattention. If you drive quickly, you really do need to focus.

Came through the same section in the 2CV today at a much steadier pace, though I did get the back end airborne on a different mountain road section...
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