My 1994 daf passed the mot 1st time today but the front brakes had a 44% imbalance. How can i improve the weak side? Thanks Phil

Phil, November 2011

If it had a 44% imbalance it would have failed. Are you sure of the figures? 30% imbalance is max permitted. You say it pulls up square so the figure quoted is unlikely. Try a brake test with your palms on the rim of the steering wheel and then see if it pulls. If it does, start stripping!

Mike, December 2011

the rear handbrake is usually the problem ,generally requiring new cables every year .unfortunately adjusting the rears is a pain,due to accessing and actually adjusting the brakes..you may find the pads are just glazed try roughing them up a bit with a hacksaw blade and give the discs a clean with emery paper

am just glad the LF did away with hydraulics and drums ..very rare to get issues at MOT with LF brakes

norb, December 2011

the rear handbrake is usually the problem ,generally requiring new cables every year .unfortunately adjusting the rears is a pain,due to accessing and actually adjusting the brakes..you may find the pads are just glazed try roughing them up a bit with a hacksaw blade and give the discs a clean with emery paper

am just glad the LF did away with hydraulics and drums ..very rare to get issues at MOT with LF brakes

norb, December 2011

Failed three times last year on one back wheel. Finally passed by renewing the brake fluid and adjusting the load sensing valve. I hate mot's

Phil, November 2011

it is large ,but to be honest it really could be a multitude of things ,plus you could do another brake test and the imbalance could drop ...i have taken trailers for a voluntary brake test before the main test ,passed the voluntary then failed the test ,and that's doing the MOT straight after the voluntary and on the same lane and same brake tester!!!,and to top up all it wasexcellent reading when it passed ..so without going anywhere and 30 mins after the voluntary a fail

norb, November 2011

Thanks Norb it just seems a big difference for the front brakes. She stops square and doesn't pull to one side at all.

Phil, November 2011

if it passed the test and brakes don't pull don't worry ...you could try fitting new pads /discs ,could be numerous things ,even just going for a run and burning /bedding the brakes in may help

norb, November 2011