Brake Pedal Travel is Increasing?

[a_alyte]

'98 JGC Laredo 4.0

I recently noticed that my brake pedal travels a bit further before making contact. All brake pads were replaced back in '05.

Today I replaced the front pads (even tho they still had decent meat on them) & I checked the rear which still look good. The master cylinder has always had the correct fluid level.

What can cause an increase in pedal travel other than air in the system? What should I check next?

Thanks

[kahjdh]

A leak, see if your lines are rusty and if so check for a leak. Other than that the master cyclinder or booster can be going bad.

[a_alyte]

If my problem is a leak, wouldn't the fluid in the master cylinder go down, or not necessarily? The level has always been at the full mark.

[kahjdh]

If the level doesn't go down it might be your booster going bad. My friend had a car where the booster went bad and the pedal just keeps going until its to the floor.

[a_alyte]

I looked through my Haynes manual & they actually provide a few test to assure the booster is airtight. My Jeep passed all the test. What should I look at next?

[Bob D.]

Not sure what you mean by "Brake Pedal Travel is Increasing"
Does the pedal slowly sink as you apply pressure or does it have more movement than you think it should have before the brakes engage?

If the former, I would bleed the brakes at all four wheels.

If the latter:

The rotors - checked for minimum thickness?

Checked the rear pads?

Checked the brake hoses? - the rubber parts of the hose can deteriorate/soften.

If all checks out, including a firm pedal, no excessive pedal pressure required to make a panic stop, you can engage the ABS system (if equipped) or lock the wheels during hard braking, then your brakes are good.

The only other thing that comes to mind is the pedal stop, i.e the bumper that limits the upward travel - if the pedal isn't stopping where it used to it will feel like there is too much travel.