I have driven my 1.9 Tdi Estate since new and have driven 25K. The brakes have never been brilliant although just adequate. The problem is they have a lot of travel until they take effect and feel spongy, thus reducing my feeling of security. When I pump the pedal they get harder, rather much like brakes in cars 30 years old!

Is this normal or should I go to the dealer?

Mike,

The brakes on the Fabia estate are very good, mine are fabulous. If your pedal gets harder after pumping, then you have air in the system. This could mean a small weep somewhere in the systems may have developed. Or, there has been some air in the system from new and it is more evident now as the brake pads and shoes are wearing down. Do get it checked at the dealer asap.

It does sound like there is air in the system.

I'd take it to the dealer how old is the car?

I took my Fabia II for brake check at dealer. The pads still have plenty of wear in them, diagnostics are fine and there is no air in the system. I have come to the conclusion that although Fabia brakes stop the car OK, they have a high amount of travel in the pedal before they take effect. In other words they are very "spongy", thus leaving the driver in a state of insecurity when requiring immediate sharp braking. Yet another reason why I'm a bit disappointed with my Fabia.

may be worth getting a second opinion....

That "dead travel" is standard across most mainstream cars on sale.

I agree I do not reckon they give a positive effect?

The problem is, that "dead travel" is there so stop people who aren't trained racing drivers from throwing themselves/passengers through the windscreen when they brake

The problem is, that "dead travel" is there so stop people who aren't trained racing drivers from throwing themselves/passengers through the windscreen when they brake

So not everyone is a racing driver? Ohhhhh

Hi Mike, did the garage bleed your brakes? It's an easy job. If you pump the pedal and it gets harder (less spongy) and the amount of travel on the pedal reduces, you have air in the system. There is no doubt about that. Bleed the brakes and you will have the same sort of brakes that I have...ie: superb, stops on a sixpence, no sponginess, plenty of feel. Every Skoda I have driven has had good brakes. You should too. I think your garage has told you porkies! Or the tech was half asleep when he checked your car.:thumbdwn:

The second opinion sounds best to me......

I complained about poor brakes on a Fabia once, and they changed the disks, but not the pads :(