Even after a fresh brake and rotor job, my brakes still don't have that new feel on the pedal, there's still a lot of travel before I stop what am I missing? I've never bled the brakes, replaced any calipers, the cylinder, or the booster, just pads and rotors throughout the years.
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1Four wheel disc or drums in the rear?– mikesDec 20, 2014 at 23:21
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4 wheel disc, I'll update my question when I get to my computer.– MDMoore313Dec 20, 2014 at 23:33
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1What's the year, make and model, and if you don't want to disclose, what's the brake fluid type? An 'old car' with four wheel disks - Porsche?– EhrykDec 24, 2014 at 7:09
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2001 Buick Regal @Ehryk– MDMoore313Dec 24, 2014 at 12:38
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GM HAS THIS PROBLEM...ITS FOUND IN GM ASTROS AS WELL...PLEASE CHECK WITH GM OR RECALL...TSB's and all info...it is a recall I believe...but not certain...– David SparksFeb 2, 2019 at 23:15
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2 Answers
There are two things I can think of which may be the problem.
First - You could start by flushing the break lines with fresh brake fluid. Old fluid in the lines can contain water and air which would not be good and give you the squishy feeling. Getting rid of the old fluid would probably help the pedal feel tremendously. Ensure you are bleeding the brake lines correctly, starting from the furthest brake away from the master cylinder and working your way back. If you don't have a tool for brake bleeding (vacuum or pressure), this is a two person job.
Second - You may have a bulging soft line. These are the lines which attach to the calipers/wheel cylinders which allow for suspension travel and wheel turning. If there is a bulge in one of these, it could fail at any time, which is a very dangerous proposition. If this is the case, it is something which needs to be taken care of immediately.
answered Dec 20, 2014 at 17:40
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First, you need to change the brake fluid ASAP. This is an hygroscopic oil with an high boiling point. Even if you are not using the car, it slowly absorbs water and contaminants from small leaks and deterioration of the brake circuit. Water, having a low boiling point, will degrade the performance of the circuit up to making them very low. It is mandatory to change DOT4 brake fluid every 2 years. Efficient brakes are much more important than a new shiny paint job or whatever else done to your car.
If the brake feel is still unsatisfactory, you can try changing the rubber hoses going from the brake lines to the calipers with braided hose cables. These will in general inflate less under pressure and provide better feel and harder brake response. If this again fails to provide the feel you want from the brakes, a complete re-hauling of the braking system may be necessary.
