I know this has been discussed but I couldn't find the answer.

I've replaced my own break pads on all my vehicles many times but I have never had spongy breaks after replacing them. Today I replaced the front break pads on my fiances 2WD 2004 Ford Expedition 5.4 with anti-lock.

I drove the truck this morning before replacing the pads and the breaks functioned as always and did not feel spongy. I replaced the pads (semi-metallic) like I have always done on other vehicles and did NOT open the break system to introduce air in any way.

I took the truck on a test drive doing slow, medium and hard stops (but no very hard screeching stops) and the breaks are very spongy. The pedal goes almost completely to the floor.

I did not have time this afternoon to bleed them but I never had to bleed breaks before when replacing pads. Should I have bled them if they worked fine before?

Any advice is greatly appreciated?

Thanks,
Tom

 

Although I solved the problem, I'm still looking for answers as to how the air might have gotten into the caliper?

There was quite a bit of air in the left front caliper. Maybe the equivalent of an ounce in liquid volume. How it got there I don't know!!!??? The right caliper didn't have any air in it at all. The break reservoir was above the low mark when I stated replacing the pads yesterday and to the full mark when I finished.

Thanks,
Tom