Don't get me started

Short story is exactly what RRSDV8 wrote. Braking is nothing more than converting kinetic energy to heat (still energy) by means of friction between the pads and discs. Regards etc.,

Wojtek

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WAS: 2006 RRS Supercharged
IS: 2010 RRS TDV8 HSE

Col wrote:

So you mean it's not the "energy" exerted from my right foot on to the brake pedal, through the hydraulic system to the caliper, which pushes the piston into contact with the brake pad which creates friction with the brake disc, which in turn slows the vehicle?

Cheers
Col

If it's been a recent development with the brakes, I think I would still be inclined to change the brake fluid, you say you know it's been changed, but I have had mine done by a dealer before and it was the cleanest brake fluid change I have ever seen, and they only used one liter to completely flush the old out and bleed the system. I used nearly that amount to just fill the reservoir. Could try 5.1 as it does have a lower viscosity and a slightly higher temp. operating range than Dot4.

Cheers
Col

I agree with Col and others. Change the fluid first and see where you are then. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Thanks everyone. I will book it in to have the brake system checked and to have the brake fluid changed and replaced with DOT 5.1 LV.

I will update after it's been done and after I've driven it a bit to let you know how things are.

 Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

Col wrote:

So you mean it's not the "energy" exerted from my right foot on to the brake pedal, through the hydraulic system to the caliper, which pushes the piston into contact with the brake pad which creates friction with the brake disc, which in turn slows the vehicle?

Cheers
Col

If you do have a slight language barrier at times make sure they do realise it is Dot 5.1 and not Dot 5 or else you will be in trouble.

Cheers
Col

I'd be tempted to buy the right stuff and say "put that in".  2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

OK... may well stick with the recommended DOT 4 then.  Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

Just be sure it’s DOT 4 LV. Plenty of options, I’m using Brembo stuff. Motul makes it as do a number of other reputable brands. Cost shouldn’t be much more than regular DOT 4. 2011 RRS HSE Luxury 3.0 TDV6 Fuji White on Ebony/Ivory
Born and raised in So Cal. Moved to the UK in 2018 for a few years. Now in Poland and looking at moving back to the UK.

So whats wrong with using Dot 5.1 fluid, it's a higher spec. fluid than Dot4 LV,it's a low viscosity fluid and totally compatible with Dot 4LV. I changed to it in my L320 S/C last time I changed the fluid which was a couple of years ago and certainly have no issues with the brakes.

Cheers
Col

It’s more hygroscopic than DOT 4 LV and should be changed more often. Other than that, nothing. BJH1959 said he may well stick with DOT 4, I was just reiterating it needs to be DOT 4 LV. If he or anyone else decides to run DOT 5.1 that’s up to them and will work fine in the system, just should be changed more often. 2011 RRS HSE Luxury 3.0 TDV6 Fuji White on Ebony/Ivory
Born and raised in So Cal. Moved to the UK in 2018 for a few years. Now in Poland and looking at moving back to the UK.

No Expert, my response was not to you I was asking Barry why he was going to stick with Dot4 as opposed to the Dot5.1 which is higher spec fluid, however obviously what spec. fluid he choses to use in his own vehicle is entirely his choice.

Cheers
Col

Thanks again to everyone for the info and advice.

I am still undecided as to whether to get DOT 4 LV or DOT 5.1 LV as there are clearly valid cases for using one or the other.

Considering everything I've seen and read here (and elsewhere) the issue seems very likely to be the quality of the fluid currently in the system.

On that basis I'll also see what the mechanics at the garage have to say about it now I have a starting point - for which I'm grateful to you all.

 Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

I'd use which ever you can most easily obtain. Either will do the job, so availability is the big factor. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed