MK2 16v Lumpy Steering - Soggy Brakes?

[minicooper]

I'm the new owner of a 98 Ibiza cupra sport 16v - maybe i'm being fussy, but i will be tracking this car soon so I'm a little concerned on the following:

Can anyone advise?

THE ISSUES

Brakes -
seem to work fine, no pulling. But the pedal travel isn't inspiring confidence and is a little soft, is there any advice to firm them up? new servo? braided hoses?

Steering -
It seems lumpy and a little vague in a straight line and turning left is a little light compared to the right. I did reduce all the tire pressures from a crazy 42psi to a more realistic 28psi, this has helped, but I do need to check all the steering/suspension components this week, but can anyone advise if the suspension setup could be the route to the evil? or is there something obvious I’m missing... just don't want the garage to bend me over

Spec

H&R Coilovers - not sure on the corner weights or current ride height (LOW)
Front & Rear OMP Braces
Pipercross induction kit
Head breather filter
Drilled & Grooved front disks with green stuff pads

There maybe a few other bits but I’m yet to get the gloves on and take a proper look

 

[suj]

is tracking and camber ok? this can cause lightness in steering wheel

its probably not set at right height in each corner (get your measuring tape out on a flat surface for a quick check)

and the front needs higher psi than rear, as the ABF lump is heavier then the other engines, so I have like 35psi, 30psi in rear

checked brake fluid level?

 

[old 'uns]

basic stuff first.....
change brake fluid, willing to bet it's never been changed?
come to think of it how many can say they have? 10/11 year old, life of brake fluid, 5 'ish?
as Suj says check equal ride heights then get tracking/camber done

far easier than replacing servo & brake lines

 

[suj]

well I haven't in 2 years I have owned it lol, should do it really
service soon, so will do it then

 

[minicooper]

Thanks for the advise - It will be going in for braided hoses and race spec fluid nextweek in preparation for it's first track day hopefully this will cure the issue.

I'll get the garage to set the allignment and camber... I'm expert.. but is there a degree in the camber i should be aiming for? the car will is mainly for the track and is not a daily drive so i'm not too worried about tyre wear...

 

[suj]

fair enough

tbh the camber will be known to a good garage, if they ask you for the camber degree....LEAVE!

I got mine done by an awesome place, showed me the standard camber, asked if I wanted more if used for just track etc, but it isn't, so it was set perfectly for road

and it made a HUGE difference

 

[minicooper]

Good point... Awesome GTI is only around the corner... i'll see what they have to say

Hopefully i'll be getting that roller skate feeling sometime soon!

Cheers guys, i'll feedback nextweek

 

[AaronGS]

awesome should be able to set it up for you but if you want it corner weighted properly there is a good company up neart preston called Gravity Works (http://www.gravityworks.co.uk) who should be able to sort you out.

Hope that helps.