Brake Free Play Adjustment

[doratheexplorer]

Friend's vehicle: 2000 Legacy 2.5L, 72K miles. We are tackling one brake issue at a time.

Original symptoms: excessive free play, soft pedal, and pedal fade.

First procedure was to flush the original factory fluid and bleed the master cylinder. This was done by a brake shop and eliminated pedal fade. Second procedure was to replace all four pads. We did this and eliminated the soft pedal. What remains is excessive pedal free play.

When braking, the brake lights will kick on, but it takes about 1/2 inch more pedal before braking begins. I'm not at all familiar with Subarus , but I'm sure this isn't normal. Searching has lead me to the power booster or booster valve. Are there cheaper fixes we could try before plunking down the cash and man hours to replace the booster?

Any assistance is appreciated.