brakes...ugghh

[zimaad]

Hey all,

OK, I've done the front and rear brakes before, but haven't ever bled them. I decided to do rotors and pads all around the car as well as change the fluid and bleed the system. I also decided to switch to the speed bleeders to make bleeding easier.

Now that I'm all done, the brakes are somewhat mushy. They don't really seem to bottom out. I re-bled them and got some air out...firmed up a little, but still not quite what I'm used to. Also, the right rear original bleeder broke off, so I just left that sheared off and did not bleed. I wouldn't think this would cause the mushy feeling, but ya never know.

I looked at master cylinder and no leaks and brakes were firm before changing fluid.

Any ideas? Think there's likely more air???

Thanks - Drew

[alphalanos]

Yeah if they dont feel right its probably air. I had to bleed mine (civic) three times before they went back to normal. you might need to replace that part that broke also.

[Indy8]

I did the same thing to my car to get all fresh fluid in the system and let the level in the reservoir get too low. Had to take it to the good local independent shop where they used a scan tool to open the ABS valve(the only way to do it)to properly bleed under pressure. $90.

[ghutchin]

Yeah I've heard you really need to pressure bleed a system like ours. I want to change my fluid too but think I will have someone else do it, and I generally do all work on my car, but from my past experience with ABS I just can never seem to get it as firm as I want. Also the manual says you should only do brake pump bleeding as a last resort.

[zimaad]

It seems to brake ok now. Still not quite as firm as I was wanting. I'm not sure if the ABS would engage if I really hammer on the brakes though. The resevoir never got too low luckily. In a week, I'm leaving on a 1500 mile trip. It may be worth the peace of mind to take it in. Not that they could bleed the right rear since I sheared the bleeder nipple anyways. I've driven it around the last few days and feels nice. No more squeaking on turns!!!!

[maxwedge]

Brakes can be a little soft till the pads properly seat in also.