My brakes are too powerful

garethgas

I've recently (3 weeks) been given a new van to drive. Its a Peugot Partner and had 6 miles on the clock.
It's now done 2500 miles.
My problem is, every time I use the brakes, I have no control over their power. They're either full on or not. Often, in slow moving traffic, if I react quickly, yet press gently, they pretty much lock on sending all my equipment in the back flying.
At high speed, its nigh on impossible to stop at a pre determined spot ie a give way/stop sign.
Is there any way their sensitivity can be adjusted? If so, I'll need to book it in to the main dealer but I wanted to know it if this was possible before booking it in.
Thanks in advance.

poppasmurf_bewdley

If there's something wrong with the brakes, then take it back to the dealer immediately. No ifs, no buts! And it certainly sounds like a fault.

Don't be put off. Demand a replacement vehicle until yours is repaired.

andy111

You're 22 days early

Strider590

Becoming very common these days, most people would drive that and be amazed at the "really good brakes".

It's one of those things that really gets on my nerves, instead of progressive brakes with good feel, they're making brakes that fool people into thinking they're better than they are.

Wig

C4 Picasso automatic has brakes that lock on at the slightest touch at low speed, I've never driven it except in and out of the driveway so I don't know what it's like at higher speed. I was told that it was because the brakes are "fly by wire" technology they are either on or they are off, maybe this is same with your Peugeot? Anyone?

gasmanmartin

I have a Partner as well, now a year old with 23000 miles and it was the same at first. Brakes where extremely sensitive. Only now does it feel "normal" and mine has been in the garage numerous times.

I've heard that all these vans are the same

garethgas

Strider590 wrote: »

Becoming very common these days, most people would drive that and be amazed at the "really good brakes".

It's one of those things that really gets on my nerves, instead of progressive brakes with good feel, they're making brakes that fool people into thinking they're better than they are.

That's what I think too. Brakes are only effective until the wheels lock.
Thing is, there's no sense of proportion..ie the harder/lighter you press, the brakes should respond accordingly instead of maximum or nothing at all.
I suspect that the dealers will try and fob me off with something but I wanted to arm myself with some info/advice before going to them.
As an aside, its not my own van, its a company van so cost isn't an issue but being without it for a day is. Especially if they try and palm me off with the 'nothing wrong with it sir' routine.

Notmyrealname

How do you press the brake pedal? Try doing it with just your toes rather than the ball of your foot.

olly300

Notmyrealname wrote: »

How do you press the brake pedal? Try doing it with just your toes rather than the ball of your foot.

Why do you think that is a problem?

Tetley_the_Cat

Stick some weight in the back of the van. Like a bag of cement and I'll think you'll see the difference. Will stop as designed to.

Road_Hog

garethgas wrote: »

I've recently (3 weeks) been given a new van to drive. Its a Peugot Partner and had 6 miles on the clock..

Ask the main dealer to get some air in the system, that'll stop the brakes stopping so sharply. Nothing like a nice bit of spongeyness in the system.