Brakes Mushy after changing front pads?

[DaUsedMCR]

my friend and i changed the front pads today, and now the brakes are mushy. we didnt take off the brake lines or anything, just compressed the pistons and changed the pads. now, the brakes are mushy and the pedal will go all the way to the floor. what could be the issue?

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

Whether you disconnected the lines or not, try to actually flush your brake fluid completely and bleed the lines good to eliminate that as the issue. Also, one thing you may want to try is flushing the power steering fluid as well. Doing this will help the mushy pedal in a hydroboost equipped truck.

As for the hydroboost flush, click below to check out the procedure.

http://www.syntheticmotorsports.org/do-yourself-diy-articles/1859-gm-1500-2500-2500-light-truck-power-steering-hyrdoboost-flush.html#post3876

Hope this helps some...

 

[Vinniety]

Mushy pedal and pedal goes to the floor are two different issues. If it goes to floor do you see fluid on the floor you might of twisted the line or punctered it. Mushy is because your using new pads with used rotors you need to change these at same time or at least get the rotors cut meaning shaved. A new pad and used rotor will not work well.

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

Yep....^^^^

 

[BubZX]

did u remove the lid to the brake fluid reservoir before u pushed the caliper pistons back??

if not u could have blown a seal in the master cylinder.

 

[jplinville]

did u remove the lid to the brake fluid reservoir before u pushed the caliper pistons back??

if not u could have blown a seal in the master cylinder.

X2

 

[WHITEOUT]

+2 about removing cap. Also, I usually always bleed my brakes after changing pads, especially if you let pads get real low. I would flush fluid, add new, and bleed all lines. Then if doesn't fix, like said, may have blown a seal.

 

[DaUsedMCR]

no, i didnt take off the cap, so maybe thats it... also the new pads im using are ceramics, and i was reading online that thats just how the ceramics feel. there is no loss of braking power, i just have to push the pedal down a bit further. i also just did the fronts because we ran out of daylight, so maybe its uneven or something. Im probably gonna have time to do the rears this weekend.

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

no, i didnt take off the cap, so maybe thats it... also the new pads im using are ceramics, and i was reading online that thats just how the ceramics feel. there is no loss of braking power, i just have to push the pedal down a bit further. i also just did the fronts because we ran out of daylight, so maybe its uneven or something. Im probably gonna have time to do the rears this weekend.

I have to disagree with this, I have run ceramics on everything I have owned for many years, and never had this issue with them feeling different. Most ceramics are also "Pre-Scorched", meaning there is no need for a break in period or anything like that when installed.

As stated before, it is possible you messed a seal up in the master cylinder, but to check for sure go ahead and flush the fluid and bleed the lines to rule that out.

Changing the back will definitely help.

 

[sunrisor]

I agree with Vinniety, should always change pads and rotors together (no use cutting them anymore). If you had a high-hard pedal before the pad change, this should do it.

Pedal to the floor usually means a leak, if you don't see any evidence (puddles, fluid loss, etc), I would put new rotors/pads, then check it. Unfortunately, the new pads you just put in, will have marks from the old rotors. if you do see evidence, then investigate further.

I agree with clkelley, I love ceramic pads, no dust, no squeal, better stops, no fading (remember to pump your brakes on a down grade to help reduce heat build-up. After all it is a truck). I put them in everything I own.