Peugeot 406 Coupé
Peugeot’s stoppers are improved with new discs just in time to help a colleague collect his new car
2003 PEUGEOT 406 COUPÉ
Installing new brake pads in my last report revealed that I also needed to replace the discs. With the help of good old Papa Sadlier, I loosened the brake fluid reservoir cap and protected the area from any potential spillages. With the handbrake off and the front wheels chocked, we jacked the rear of the 406 up and supported it on axle stands for safety.
We removed the grub screws from the brake disc and the clips and pins from the existing brake pads. This allowed us to remove the brake disc itself with the caliper still in situ. After a brief inspection of the handbrake shoes, we gave it a quick clean to remove any dust.
Set side by side, the difference between the old and new discs was obvious. We gave the new discs a quick clean with brake cleaner before fitting them in place. We then secured the brake pads with pins and spring clips.
Now to check our hard work had been successful. I depressed the brake pedal to reseat the pads onto the new discs – all fine there. My father then checked that there was free movement upon rotation. Once we were happy, we refitted the wheels.
Out on a quiet road I gave the 406 a few controlled stops. Much better. The squeaky brakes were no more and stopping was now much more precise and immediate. A few minutes later we parked up and treated the Peugeot to an oil and filter change.
The first trip out for the 406 was to take editor Simister to collect his new Reliant Scimitar from Bicester Heritage.
The big diesel engine responds so much better to longer journeys, and this 150-mile round trip was ideal, with the 406 managing a healthy 50mpg for the most part. I’m saving my Ford Puma for jaunts to work – when I’m not commuting in the £1k Challenge Reliant Robin, that is!
Soon after arriving at Bicester, it was time for David to fire the Scimitar up. I jumped back in the Peugeot, having assured him that I wouldn’t just burn off without him, and sure enough, the Scimitar fired, only to cut out a few seconds later (see his story on the opposite page). Embarrassing. Poor old David couldn’t even steal his own car! My Peugeot, on the other hand, was purring and ready to go.
After about ten minutes, the Scimitar’s fuel cut-off safety feature had been figured out, and we were off.
Once on the road I made sure that David remained in sight in my rear-view mirror before putting my foot down in order to get back to the office in good time. Much to my amazement, he kept up with me and then went sailing past on the dual carriageway. He was clearly enjoying his new purchase.
Following the Scimitar, I could smell the scent of that lovely Essex V6, and I was quite envious of his new toy. One day maybe…
Until then, my faithful 406 Coupé will hopefully carry on serving me well.