General Brakes - any complaints?

Currently reading:
General Brakes - any complaints?

Our 500TA is very sharp in braking.

I reckon it's too sensitive. Too sharp and sudden, and would be better if it were more progressive.

Compared to my dad's Corolla, my TA85 brakes very well. At first I felt the same as you did, that the braking effect was too sharp and sudden. I've gotten used to it now (I rather like it), and the brakes haven't let me down.

I reckon that the handbrake/rear brakes are fine for normal use, it's just that we have a 1in4 driveway by the gate. Fairly level by the house, but we REALLY have to use the handbrake when we open/close the gate.

At first I had a problem with the handbrake as well, even after getting it adjusted at the mechanic's, it wasn't holding on a steep hill when fully applied. Then portland_bill suggested stomping down really hard on the brake pedal before applying the handbrake, and that totally solved the problem for me. Holds with confidence on steep hills where other cars don't even dare park.

Someone else started a thread about this handbrake quirk recently, they haven't yet returned to post their results AFAIK.
https://www.fiatforum.com/500/424573-fiat-500-dualogic-steep-parking-station-ramp.html

My dad's Corolla never had this quirk.
 
Last edited:
I just wonder why vented discs are on a normal car in the first place ................ let alone having discs instead of drums on the rear.

They look nice, even if they don’t get to do much.

Cartech-Abarth-500-Coppa-Seitenansicht-Bremsmanoever-19-fotoshowImageNew-4053ac9e-565043_zps555da2f5.jpg
 
Then portland_bill suggested stomping down really hard on the brake pedal before applying the handbrake, and that totally solved the problem for me. Holds with confidence on steep hills where other cars don't even dare park.

I'm going to try that! I was stunned recently to find my car rolling backward after very firmly applying the handbrake.
 
Compared to my dad's Corolla, my TA85 brakes very well. At first I felt the same as you did, that the braking effect was too sharp and sudden. I've gotten used to it now (I rather like it), and the brakes haven't let me down.



At first I had a problem with the handbrake as well, even after getting it adjusted at the mechanic's, it wasn't holding on a steep hill when fully applied. Then portland_bill suggested stomping down really hard on the brake pedal before applying the handbrake, and that totally solved the problem for me. Holds with confidence on steep hills where other cars don't even dare park.

Someone else started a thread about this handbrake quirk recently, they haven't yet returned to post their results AFAIK.
https://www.fiatforum.com/500/424573-fiat-500-dualogic-steep-parking-station-ramp.html

My dad's Corolla never had this quirk.

I tried it, even though I was doubtful it would make any difference to ours.

I was right.
It made no difference to ours.

TTFN
Mick.

I'm fairly sure this is usually only necessary/recommended for rear disc equipped cars, where the handbrake connection arrangement is often more complicated than the standard drum-based handbrake.

I seem to remember mondeos a fair few years back had this issue and it ended up in a "recall" to instruct owners on how to operate it properly and stick an extra instruction panel in the owner's manual.
 
They look nice, even if they don’t get to do much.

Cartech-Abarth-500-Coppa-Seitenansicht-Bremsmanoever-19-fotoshowImageNew-4053ac9e-565043_zps555da2f5.jpg

This car is accelerating in reverse (or landing after a jump....)!

If it was under hard braking, the rear wheels wouldn't be spinning.
 
I tried it, even though I was doubtful it would make any difference to ours.

I was right.
It made no difference to ours.

That's a bummer, though from the sound of your original post your handbrake still works, it's just that you had to apply it fully, is that right? My one didn't actually hold my car when applied fully.

I'm fairly sure this is usually only necessary/recommended for rear disc equipped cars, where the handbrake connection arrangement is often more complicated than the standard drum-based handbrake.

I dunno if this method works for rear disc brakes, but mine are drum brakes and portland_bill mentioned it was for drum brakes in the original thread:
https://www.fiatforum.com/500/338779-handbrake-holding-ability-steep-gradient.html?p=3369980

This solved my problem after I'd had my handbrake checked and adjusted twice unsuccessfully by two different mechanics, on a new car. Not everyone would have the same problem as me I imagine, some people may just have a faulty handbrake or one that needs adjusting. (y)

As always YMMV folks, always get a professional to check out your handbrake/brakes if in doubt.
 
Last edited:
Yes, the handbrake works.
It doesn't need adjusting as the lever doesn't come up very far, it's just that the handbrake is weak.

You really have to pull hard to get to another click to get a decent wheel-lock.

On the flat, or on a slight hill, it is fine. No doubt it's well within spec for the MOT, but on a STEEP hill, it is sadly weaker than I would expect. Our drive is very steep at 25% by the gate.

Other than that, the service brakes are wonderful and I have no complaint other than they are maybe too good! :)

Regards,
Mick.
 
Don't all 500's have Emergency Brake Assistance, where the ECU recognises that you are performing an emergency stop and boosts braking pressure to stop you more quickly. You can tell when it's kicked in because it flashes the hazard warning lamps to alert other drivers. If the car has it and it didn't kick in perhaps the OP's brake pedal wasn't really pressed to the floor. Having said that, when my 1.4 was new the brakes were very sharp, to the point that I had to learn to press the pedal very gently. Over seven years the brakes became a little less sharp and more spongy, though still capable of efficient braking. Since I fitted new pads and discs and changed the fluid they are back to their original sharpness.
 
I dont rate the brakes either,not good at all when leaving the motorway. I live near a motorway and use it daily with different cars.I have to start braking early with the 500.They have been like this from new.
 
I wonder why your experience is completely opposite to mine?

Sounds like there's something wrong with the design of the brakes that they can be good on one car, and bad on another.

Cheers,
Mick.
 
I wonder why your experience is completely opposite to mine?

People are talking about different specs. I believe auditt has a 1.2 with the small solid rotors.
 
I understand that the 500 has (maybe) three different braking systems.

Smaller solid discs and standard rear drums
Larger solid discs and standard rear drums
Larger vented discs and solid rear discs

All the 500s are basically the same weight and size, so the first option should work on any 500.

Can the three options make THAT much difference with normal driving at normal speeds?

Thanks,
Mick.
 
I understand that the 500 has (maybe) three different braking systems.

Smaller solid discs and standard rear drums
Larger solid discs and standard rear drums
Larger vented discs and solid rear discs

All the 500s are basically the same weight and size, so the first option should work on any 500.

Can the three options make THAT much difference with normal driving at normal speeds?

Thanks,
Mick.
no the diesel is about 200 kgs heavier than the 1.2 petrol.
 
All the 500s are basically the same weight and size, so the first option should work on any 500.

500's range from 865-980kg. 100kg is enough to make a difference, particularly if you've got 16" wheels too. Fiat USA quote the 1.4's maximum passenger/ cargo weight as ~440kg.

While I can see a case where heavily optioned 1.2 fully loaded could be marginal (particularly if the brakes already have some miles on them), I think the difference comes down to driving style and expectations. Just the other day I had someone flash his lights at me while slowing for a red light, he just HAD to get into the turning lane so he could accelerate then brake at the last moment.
 
500's range from 865-980kg. 100kg is enough to make a difference, particularly if you've got 16" wheels too. Fiat USA quote the 1.4's maximum passenger/ cargo weight as ~440kg.

While I can see a case where heavily optioned 1.2 fully loaded could be marginal (particularly if the brakes already have some miles on them), I think the difference comes down to driving style and expectations. Just the other day I had someone flash his lights at me while slowing for a red light, he just HAD to get into the turning lane so he could accelerate then brake at the last moment.
yes i think a 1.3 MJ fully loaded and with sunroof, and 16 inch wheels can be around 1050 kgs heavy.
 
Ok then ...............

Ours is a 500TA 85 with the larger diameter solid discs with standard rear drums.
With two people on board, the braking is superb. Not tried it four-up yet but I see no reason to suspect that it wouldn't be anything less than superb.

Therefore, if we had the 1.2 Pop and four people on board, the braking would be marginal?
Is that what we're saying?

Mick.
 
My 500C TA85 Lounge is officially 970kg (I only have to pay the lowest registration fee, yay!), but I bet that's not counting the 16" alloy wheels so it's probably a little above that. I usually carry 1 or 2 passengers and the only real difference I've noticed is that I have to step on the gas pedal a bit more if I want to accelerate faster :D

Haven't noticed any difference in braking when I have more passengers. Braking is sharp.
 
Back
Top