Hydraulic brake system (Renault Espace I)

Note: Before looking for a fault in the brake system, make sure that the tyres are in good condition and correctly inflated, that the front wheel alignment is correct and that the load in the vehicle is distributed correctly. For any fault in the anti-lock braking system, it is permissible to check the condition of all pipe and hose joints, otherwise you should contact a Renault dealer for diagnostics.

The car pulls to the side when braking

• The front and/or rear brake pads on the corresponding side are worn or dirty (Section 9)
• The front or rear brake caliper piston is stuck (Section 9)
• Brake pads with different lining materials are installed on different sides (Section 9)
• The brake caliper or rear brake backing plate mounting bolts are loose (Section 9)
• Steering or suspension components are worn or damaged (Section 10)

Noise (or squealing) when braking

• The friction material of the brake lining is worn down to the metal base (Section 9)
• Corrosion of the brake disc - may appear after a long period of parking of the car (Section 9)

Excessive brake pedal travel

• The rear drum brake self-adjusting adjuster is faulty (Section 9)
• The master cylinder is faulty (Section 9)
• Air in the brake system (Section 9)
• The vacuum booster unit is faulty (Section 9)
• Vacuum pump faulty - diesel models (Section 9)

The brake pedal springs when pressed

• Air in the brake hydraulic system (Section 9)
• The rubber brake hoses are damaged (Section 9)
• The master brake cylinder fastenings are loose (Section 9)
• The master cylinder is faulty (Section 9)

Excessive force on the brake pedal is required to stop the car

• The vacuum booster unit is faulty (Section 9)
• The brake booster vacuum hose is disconnected, damaged or leaking (Section 9)
• Vacuum pump faulty - diesel models (Section 9)
• One of the circuits of the brake hydraulic system is damaged (Section 9)
• The brake caliper piston or the working brake cylinder is jammed (Section 9)
• Brake pads are incorrectly adjusted or installed (Section 9)
• Incorrect brake pads installed (Section 9)
• The brake pads are oily (Section 9)

When braking, intense vibration is felt in the brake pedal or steering wheel

• Severe wear or deformation of the brake disc (Section 9)
• The brake pads are worn out (Section 9)
• The brake caliper or rear brake shield mounting bolts are loose (Section 9)
• Suspension or steering components or their mountings are worn (Section 10)

The pedal pulsates when braking sharply

• Normal feature of the ABS system - no malfunction.

Wheel braking

• The brake caliper piston or the piston of the working brake cylinder is jammed (Section 9)
• The handbrake mechanism or rod is not adjusted correctly (Section 9)
• The master cylinder is faulty (Section 9)

Rear wheel lockup during normal braking

• The brake caliper piston or the piston of the working brake cylinder is jammed (Section 9)
• The brake pressure regulator is faulty (Section 9)