Since new, the footbrake on my '03 saloon seems to become hyper sensitive whenever the car is heading down a hill (In a foward gear) resulting in severe "Grabbing" of the brakes. As they actuate normally when on the level or going uphill, this problem has caught me out on several occasions. I've not experienced this problem with other vehicles I've driven - Golfs, Corollas, Clios, Astras, Primeras. As I do low annual mileage (6k), I initially put the effect down to "Bedding-in" .

The vehilcle's now clocked-up 12.5k and I can feel that when applied on the level there's a certain amount of travel in the pedal before the brakes bite and, thereafter the braking action is normal and progressive. In contrast, when going downhill, the pedal actuates the brakes at the slightest touch and they bite immediately and severly ( without firing-off the ABS)

As a fluid change was due on the last service I asked the dealer to test for the fault and the word came back that nothing was wrong

I notice that the dealer always adjusts the handbrake so that its full-on within 1-2 clicks.

I've adjusted my seat position in the belief that I may not have been hitting the pedal squarely but to no effect.

Any ideas ?

Nick R.

You bought a Fabia Saloon?

For many and various reasons it suited at the time

Nick R.

Cool. They are actually quite good, just very very rare on british roads.

I suppose that could limit the pool of expertise I can access -assuming the mechanics are vastly different from the hatch

Nick R.