The Brakes on my New VRS aren't too clever, the pedal travels about half way before there is any bite. When I was under the car the other day I noticed the rear offside calliper was wet with brake fluid. Now is this a replacement calliper Jobby or is there a repair? I can imagine there is air getting into the system where the leak is present causing the pedal travel. I Believe I read somewhere about the washers failing. Where can I buy these? Or do I need new hoses or calipers to get the washers?

 

also the brake fluid is showing >2% on my tester so obviously needs changing, just ordered some TYP 200 fluid for this as looking to go 312mm in the future. Friend of mine 2006 VRS his brakes are outstanding for the standard setup (DS2500 pads) and mine feel useless in comparison! 

 

TIA

Upon further inspection it isn't actually fluid; it's grease sprayed on the spring for the handbrake cable on the calliper! My bad... however the brake travel, is this down to the fluid being low? 

Pedal travel isn't the shortest anyway.

 

As a first step, on a level surface, engine off, release the handbrake, pump the servo out until the pedal goes hard, then hold the footbrake as hard on as you can, and pull the handbrake up full twice.

Now start the engine and hopefully the pedal will sink less as vacuum builds again.

That's correct however my friends VRS (2006, mines 2004) you tap the pedal an the brakes bite, mine has a good lot of travel before anything happens about half way down! I will try that  

@JaamesVRS Fine: I'm starting with the cheapest fix, which is to make the handbrake (which has an effect on footbrake play) adjust itself.

Bleed brakes and clutch.

@wino - That was my next suggestion, assuming @JaamesVRS doesn't intend a full fluid replacement anyway.

The handbrake is 2 clicks and fully engaged securely, 1 click holds the car in place! It works well 

 

ive just tested my fluid, on my tester it shows >2% water in the system, I've just ordered some TYP 200 fluid (replacement of ATE Super Blue) which I've used on the race car for a couple of years now and can't fault it so going to flush the system through with the same, all new working on these newer cars for me, the race car is simple 1997, cable clutch, cable throttle all old school  

 

however i I will try what you suggested with the handbrake in the morning before I go to work! 

Personally I'd say your handbrake is adjusted too tight! 

 

Strange that affects the pedal travel! I tried what someone said on here and it did make pedal travel shorter! Why is this?