Brakes seem to crunch *just* before stop

[Neaco]

Renault Megane 1998 model 1.6 cc - the front break pads and discs were
replaced together last year. Noticed recently that when I apply brakes - at
the point *just* before stopping, I hear a small crunch, the peddle under my
foot seems move (drop?) a little and then I stop - I can't feel any
difference in the stopping distance (ie, I still stop at the point I
intended) and the brakes don't seem to fail in anyway - ie, I don't lose the
biting force of the braking - if you know what I mean. Doesn't happen all
the time, but more so when cars been going for a while and/or I'm
stop/starting in a line of traffic.

Any clues? How long is a piece of string??

[Pete M]

In news:%Wbdd.173$C41.24@newsfe5-gui.ntli.net,
Neaco <gu47otu@hotmail.com> decided to enlighten our sheltered souls with a
rant as follows
> Renault Megane 1998 model 1.6 cc - the front break pads and discs were
> replaced together last year. Noticed recently that when I apply
> brakes - at the point *just* before stopping, I hear a small crunch,
> the peddle under my foot seems move (drop?) a little and then I stop
> - I can't feel any difference in the stopping distance (ie, I still
> stop at the point I intended) and the brakes don't seem to fail in
> anyway - ie, I don't lose the biting force of the braking - if you
> know what I mean. Doesn't happen all the time, but more so when cars
> been going for a while and/or I'm stop/starting in a line of traffic.
>
> Any clues? How long is a piece of string??

Brake pads are close to death. If not actually totally worn out. Change 'em
now!

Alternatively, wait, and then have to buy discs as well as pads.

HTH

--
Pete M

Ford Capri (ressurection starts soon)
Sierra V6 2.9 4x4 Twin Turbo Estate
COSOC #5
Scouse Git extraordinaire. Liverpool, Great Britain

[Chris Street]

On Tue, 19 Oct 2004 17:13:31 GMT, Neaco wrote:

> Renault Megane 1998 model 1.6 cc - the front break pads and discs were
> replaced together last year. Noticed recently that when I apply brakes - at
> the point *just* before stopping, I hear a small crunch, the peddle under my
> foot seems move (drop?) a little and then I stop - I can't feel any
> difference in the stopping distance (ie, I still stop at the point I
> intended) and the brakes don't seem to fail in anyway - ie, I don't lose the
> biting force of the braking - if you know what I mean. Doesn't happen all
> the time, but more so when cars been going for a while and/or I'm
> stop/starting in a line of traffic.

Pads are getting hot and have bugger all friction material left on them.
Swap now before you get stuck for disks as well.

>
> Any clues? How long is a piece of string??

Twice the length to the middle (couldn't resist, sorry)

[mrcheerful]

"Neaco" <gu47otu@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:%Wbdd.173$C41.24@newsfe5-gui.ntli.net...
> Renault Megane 1998 model 1.6 cc - the front break pads and discs were
> replaced together last year. Noticed recently that when I apply brakes -
> at the point *just* before stopping, I hear a small crunch, the peddle
> under my foot seems move (drop?) a little and then I stop - I can't feel
> any difference in the stopping distance (ie, I still stop at the point I
> intended) and the brakes don't seem to fail in anyway - ie, I don't lose
> the biting force of the braking - if you know what I mean. Doesn't happen
> all the time, but more so when cars been going for a while and/or I'm
> stop/starting in a line of traffic.
>
> Any clues? How long is a piece of string??
>
>
>

First thing is to check the wheels are on tight, then check the brakes
generally. I would seriously worry if the pedal feels as you describe and I
would not say it is safe to drive till you know what the problem is, and
when you do know, get it fixed.

mrcheerful

[john1966]

I have the same problem with my wife's car. Megan senic 1998 does exactley as you say, i've checked the disks and pads and they are fine with plenty of meat on pads look not that old. You don't say if your car is ABS, my wife's is
I'ts starting to anoy me. The only thing i've found is the ABS ring on the N/S (passenger) drive shaft is cracked in one of the groves, but don't really think it could be that as the sensors would still pick up the signal.
It needs more investigating, in the meantime if you find out what the problem is would you let me know or post it on here and i will do the same.
a puzzled megan senic driver

[siphiwe]

I don't know if anyone has had their problem fixed, but I had the exact same condition on my Megane 1.6 RT. When Renault checked it over after the ABS light came on, they said the drive shaft neede to be replaced (at a cost of £270!!) as the speed ring was faulty. Brake pads and disks have all been replaced so decided to go with this option. Car is in the shop today, I'll post a reply if replacing the drive shaft has solved the problem.

[swstevewil]

i have had similar problem with a megane not long after front disc and pad replacement and found one disc was not secure and screws fixing disc to hub had stripped threads