I have a 1998 1.9 SLXi diesel with a bit of a brake problem. The brakes feel poor but having looked at the pads they are fine and don't need relacing. Brake fluid levels are fine too.

Recently (last week) the dash ABS light has come on, which I think may be just a sensor need replacing.

Any ideas/help please?

I have a 1998 1.9 SLXi diesel with a bit of a brake problem. The brakes feel poor but having looked at the pads they are fine and don't need relacing. Brake fluid levels are fine too.

Recently (last week) the dash ABS light has come on, which I think may be just a sensor need replacing.

Any ideas/help please?

What do you mean by 'poor'? If you're getting an ABS light, then all that means in terms of braking performance is that the calipers won't release when the wheels lock - it shouldn't make the braking less powerful up to that point AFAIK.

It seems like you've looked at the pads and they're OK wear-wise, and I presume the same's true for the discs? It may be a master cylinder or vacuum servo issue, which would mean you'd need to press really hard to get the brakes to work. Otherwise the only other things I can think of are quite trivial: the pads have glazed, which will make the brakes feel weak until it wears off again (only really likely after sustained, hard braking); or your brake system needs bleeding ('spongy' brakes)

Maybe someone with a bit more expertise can help?

I was going to suggest maybe it was time for a fluid change....

I was going to suggest maybe it was time for a fluid change....

True, couldn't see the wood for the trees with that one!

Or a slightly bizzare one (but one I had a few months back; rectified at MoT time). Could one of the disc inner surfaces be rusted, and then glazed smooth?

It's a long time since I have had chance to get on here due to work, so sorry for those that have posted help.

I agree the ABS light being on would only mean that the system wouldn't work, should it need to.

OK the fluid seems fine and was changed 18 months ago.

All brake pads and front discs changed last year.

I have checked the servo by pressing the brake pedal several times, then holding some pressure on the pedal and starting the engine I can feel the brake pedal depress slightly as the vaccum comes in.

The problem is that it really feels like there's no servo assistance when you drive the car!! The car does stop but you have to press the pedal very hard.

Have you actively checked pad wear? These cars have a reputation for wearing the inner pads more than the outers.