Very low MPG.

[Westbeef]

Would something like BG 44K cleaner have much effect? I don't want to spend £20 if I'm only going to get 2-3MPG back as really I can't afford to run it at 19 right now.

 

[varesecrazy]

sounds like you've got an issue with the brakes binding,

did the brake rebuild sort the ABS issue.. or is the light still on?

basically the calipers should be fine as long as there is no dirt in there.. is the dust boot / gaiter still good?

the brake pads need to be able to move a little also ( in their carrier) so after you've released the brake pedal the pads can ratract a touch.. and the wheel can then spin freely.

go for a slow gentle drive, ( NO heavy braking)

then roll to a stop, ( somewhere safe / quiet) any braking done with the handbrake,

check the temps of the wheel nuts on EACH wheel,
front's shouldn't be MUCH warmer than the rears,
ANY high temps.. jack up that wheel and see how freely it spins.. if any binding.. compare it with the opposite wheel..,

charlie

 

[Westbeef]

sounds like you've got an issue with the brakes binding,

did the brake rebuild sort the ABS issue.. or is the light still on?

basically the calipers should be fine as long as there is no dirt in there.. is the dust boot / gaiter still good?

the brake pads need to be able to move a little also ( in their carrier) so after you've released the brake pedal the pads can ratract a touch.. and the wheel can then spin freely.

go for a slow gentle drive, ( NO heavy braking)

then roll to a stop, ( somewhere safe / quiet) any braking done with the handbrake,

check the temps of the wheel nuts on EACH wheel,
front's shouldn't be MUCH warmer than the rears,
ANY high temps.. jack up that wheel and see how freely it spins.. if any binding.. compare it with the opposite wheel..,

charlie

Thanks, I'll do this later tonight when the roads are quiet and nope ABS issue is still exactly the same.

When I did the brakes the pistons themselves were very rusty as were the whole of the calipers. We cleaned them up with a wire brush but didn't grease any parts. Which bit was the dust gator? is that like the heat shield? That was fine.

 

[Westbeef]

The Rear wheel nuts where stone cold - the front wheel nuts were both slightly warm. I could feel the head radiating off the discs though if I moved my hand close to them. This was after a 5 minute drive with very light braking (Handbrake wasn't enough to slow me down, which is why I have the new cable to go in)

 

[varesecrazy]

OK - still sounds as if they MAY be rubbing..

lifting the wheels and spinning for comparison would've been good !

I don't quite understand the "rusty calipers" comment,

the body is normally cast alloy ( goes dusty), and the pistons are also a clean material- IF they are very rusty.. they do sound compromised..,
charlie

 

[Westbeef]

Having a nightmare with this car - it's going in the garage tomorrow.

Getting the sticky brakes looked at & my bloody handbrake snapped today. I didn't even get a look in at fitting the new cable.

HOpefully the garage can sort it all in a day tomorrow & I can relax, if it doesn't cost me too much i'm getting rid of this and going looking at new Grande Puntos.

 

[Westbeef]

Quick update - when I had it looked at the garage said it's most likely the ABS issue causing the brakes to stick on. He said by changing the brakes i've helped it but it's not getting too hot and they're not blue or anything. He thinks the ABS is causing the brakes to be applied slightly & its the ABS pump that is the issue.

It's with the warranty garage now being sorted. However on a brighter note - I ordered a brand new Punto due on Friday , slight impulse but I'll save money with it & it's a 1.2 Easy with the brio pack thrown in for free.

 

[caedan]

It's blowing from near the manifold , I just haven't located as to where yet.

Just for future reference (as you have chopped it in for a new one!);

A blow near the manifold will cause your vehicle to absolutely guzzle fuel like no tomorrow. On these modern engines, it is the manifold that tells the air meter what mixture of air/fuel is needed. If there is a leak, it will sent a high air-flow reading to the air flow meter, which in turn throws a load more fuel and air in as it thinks you are driving flat out. Simplified - but you get the idea!