TheRomeo

Active Member
May 16, 2023
6
3
Bought a 73 plate VZN in May and over the past few months the brake pedal feels like it's getting softer and softer (feels like a deflated football). At the moment the first third of the brake pedal doesn't do anything and anything further doesn't feel like it bites as well as it should. In traffic at a standstill I can easily push the pedal flat to the floor and it takes 5 or 6 pumps before it stiffens up.
I've taken the car to Halfords for a brake check and they said everything is fine.
Brake pads are about 50% worn and discs are about 20% worn, plenty of life left in both discs and pads.
I wasn't convinced so a week later I had the car serviced at a main dealer (it was due anyway) and got them to change the brake fluid (which was also due). I asked them to give the brake system a full once over too. They said everything is as it should be and no issues.

Before I start the lengthy process of getting the main dealer to fix something, has anyone else had a similar issue or does your brake pedal feel the same?

For info -
I've tried really heating the brakes up to see if it's the colder weather that's the issue - didn't feel any better.

I've tried pumping the pedal with the car on and off - Off does nothing, On makes it feel better for next time I brake but then it goes back to normal.

Main dealer has changed the brake fluid and fully bled the system.

When stationary the brake pedal goes to the floor almost as easy as the throttle pedal.

At high speed (60mph+) it's terrifying as the brake needs to be pressed about 50% before it gives a solid feel of the car slowing down.

When the cars cold, the first time I brake from about 20mph it sounds like the abs system kicks in.

I use Bilt Hamber Auto Wheel to clean the alloys and break down the brake dust build up

Emergency braking feels relatively normal, car stops in good time/distance

When the brake pedal is released quickly it pops back up about half a second after I take my foot off it. The easiest way I can describe it is like an old door handle. There's no smoothness when it's released, it just flicks up and makes a horrible clunk.
 
Brembos or not something definitely ain't right.

Why use Halfords, surely it's under warranty and doesn't sound like it's pads/discs.

Maybe a leak in the servo or master cylinder?

I'd get it back into to your Cupra dealer soonest.

Guy

Sent from my Galaxy S25 Ultra using Tapatalk
 
PS> No issues with the Brembo setup on my 74 VZ3. They work best when warmed up and are way more powerful than needed for normal road use.

Guy

Sent from my Galaxy S25 Ultra using Tapatalk
 
Brembos or not something definitely ain't right.

Why use Halfords, surely it's under warranty and doesn't sound like it's pads/discs.

Maybe a leak in the servo or master cylinder?

I'd get it back into to your Cupra dealer soonest.

Guy

Sent from my Galaxy S25 Ultra using Tapatalk
Halfords is only 5 mins down the road and I can walk home. Main dealer is over 30 mins away and I had to wait there for 5 hours on the last service 😫

Main dealer said they couldn't find any leaks and showed me a video of the underneath of the car whilst they drained the oil.

I'm starting to lean towards a master cylinder issue.
It almost feels like theres a large gap between the pad and the disc. If I gently press the pedals there's no engagement. I could be wrong but I was under the impression modern cars have self adjusting pistons for the pads.