Brake imbalance on front axle.

[Mk5swbhighroof]

One of the mot fails of my SWB mk 5 was a 'brake imbalance ' on the front axle. 2% over the allowed figure. Now whilst it's due new discs and pads (got them already), and new bearings, my question is would it be a good idea to change the discs etc the day before the test? Will they bed in enough to pass the test? Or would cleaning the existing pads/calipers for now be enough to get the imbalance back below the fail level?
Cheers

[vanfox]

Just changed my D and Ps, MOT due next week. I'd change them now, Job done before the winter.

[Mk5swbhighroof]

Oh, I'll change them, that's why I bought the parts (bearings are an advisory), I just wondered if a 2% imbalance would be down to dust etc around the brakes, or if it definitely needs d and/or pads replacing. I just wonder if the brakes will have time to bed in if I replace now.

[ernie b]

Could be a caliper getting sticky where they slide.
Worth checking while you're doing the pads.
Make sure the pads are free to move as well, sometimes rust builds up on the caliper and stops or restricts the pad from moving properly

[Keef]

Oh, I'll change them, that's why I bought the parts (bearings are an advisory), I just wondered if a 2% imbalance would be down to dust etc around the brakes, or if it definitely needs d and/or pads replacing. I just wonder if the brakes will have time to bed in if I replace now.

and don't forget it's not a 2% imbalance, it's 2% over the allowed 25%

I've seen a lot of Transits get an advisory on front wheel bearings because when they are set up perfectly there should be slight play when cold. If they're not rough on the rotate and they adjust up ok I'd leave the old ones in and keep the new ones as spares.

[Mk5swbhighroof]

Thanks. I've cleaned up the brakes for now, to be honest, the pads are about halfway down, so a fair bit of life left in them.

[gotgcoalman]

Give the "bad side" a bit of TLC (free caliper/guide pins.
The old brakes are a "known quantity" (2% out/over)

If you put the new ones on.
1. they wont have bedded in and it fails.
2. you try too hard to bed them in quickly and glaze the pads.
3. it was the caliper all along and the imbalance is still there.

there was a 4 but due to age and slow typing i've totally forgotten.

[Mk5swbhighroof]

Give the "bad side" a bit of TLC (free caliper/guide pins.
The old brakes are a "known quantity" (2% out/over)

If you put the new ones on.
1. they wont have bedded in and it fails.
2. you try too hard to bed them in quickly and glaze the pads.
3. it was the caliper all along and the imbalance is still there.

there was a 4 but due to age and slow typing i've totally forgotten.

That's what I was thinking.

[gotgcoalman]

Give the "bad side" a bit of TLC (free caliper/guide pins.
The old brakes are a "known quantity" (2% out/over)

If you put the new ones on.
1. they wont have bedded in and it fails.
2. you try too hard to bed them in quickly and glaze the pads.
3. it was the caliper all along and the imbalance is still there.

there was a 4 but due to age and slow typing i've totally forgotten.

That's what I was thinking.

You forgot 4 as well

Work with what you have. It's too close to a pass not to.
When you pull the offending side apart something might be obvious.

Get the 12 month ticket and then change the lot at your leisure.

[bobbari123]

hi.
i have changed all brake parts and went straight to mot and test was ok.
you don´t have to bed them, just normal braking while driving to mot.
i would also take the pistons out and clean them well. (probably you will need new seal set)
if cleaning does not help i would suspect brake hoses.

[baxi]

have found it impossible to fit two new pads at the same time so fitted one on the inside next to piston then run as is , has taken 6 months to wear some ( light footed ) .