Soft Brakes?
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Soft Brakes?
I recently had a new power brake booster and master cylinder installed, new rear wheel cylinders, brake lines, complete new rear brake setup and drums, front pads and calipers. The problem is that the brakes are so darn touchy, i.e., pedal very soft and it seems that the pedal is not coming all the way back up after you stop. I'm wondering if there is a vacuum problem. Can I put a vacuum gauge on the hose coming off the manifold that would go to the brake booster to see if I've got enough pull? What should I expect? If there isn't enough, how do I get more? Could there be something haywire with the proportioning valve? A brake expert, I'm not.
The engine is running good, but I can't seem to figure this out. Any comments greatly appreciated. Pictures of the beast soon.
The engine is running good, but I can't seem to figure this out. Any comments greatly appreciated. Pictures of the beast soon.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
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From: Northwest Fl
Soft Brakes?
Soft pedals usually indicate the lines still have some air in them. If it were me, I would try bleeding the brakes, beginning with the rt. rear and working back toward the master cylinder. (rt rear- lt. rear-rt. frt.- left frt.)
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,637
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From: Albuquerque
Soft Brakes?
If you paid to have this done I would definitely take it back and declare it a safety hazard and demand they make it right. You probably paid a few bucks for the job.
Soft pedal generally will be air but would not relate to grabbing/touchy. They may not have the length set right on the push rod on the booster.
There should be a large hose from the manifold to the booster with a plastic one way valve where it connects. You can pull it off with the engine running (leave the valve in) and hear vacuum. you should also be able to press the brake pedal once or twice before the vacuum in the booster is used up.
Soft pedal generally will be air but would not relate to grabbing/touchy. They may not have the length set right on the push rod on the booster.
There should be a large hose from the manifold to the booster with a plastic one way valve where it connects. You can pull it off with the engine running (leave the valve in) and hear vacuum. you should also be able to press the brake pedal once or twice before the vacuum in the booster is used up.
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