Just want a consensus on people's brake pedal feel. I just replaced all of my brakes, and added Stainless brake lines all the way around. The top portion of pedal, about an inch, is still 'loose,' not really spongy, just feels like the brakes don't really start coming on until I'm an inch or two down the pedal travel. Any ideas? Is there brake pedal adjustment that I'm not aware of? I use my ebrake often as well, and it feels ok.

Another thing, I don't have ABS, at what speed should stock brakes lock the tires up on dry pavement? On average, so many variables, I know.

I'm just fairly dissapointed in my new brake job--Powerslotted rotors, Hawk pads, I'd think they'd be able to lock up at highway speeds. Is my booster shot? Or what's goin on here.

PS, I bled the brakes well, with new DOT 3 fluid.

Isn't some of the mushy-ness from the brake booster actully moving when the brakes are applied? I believe that MachV sells a brace that you can bolt onto the fire wall that keeps it in its place.

Thanks Pianoman,

Anyone else with any thoughts?

ABS spec is for DOT 4 fluid, to start.

"Using" the emergency brake? For other than parking? Not recommended on an AWD DSM.

How old's that master cylinder?

I don't have ABS, so I went with DOT 3, if DOT 4 is worth while, I'd upgrade?

Using the parking brake for parking, trying to avoid Viscous Coupling problems here.

Master cylinder hasn't been changed as far as I know, but I'm not losing any fluid. Maybe time for a rebuild kit and a check up on the cylinder itself.

Thanks for the replies.

jfdid> The top portion of pedal, about an inch, is still 'loose,' not really spongy, just feels like the brakes don't really start coming on until I'm an inch or two down the pedal travel. Any ideas? Is there brake pedal adjustment that I'm not aware of?

Click to expand...

Are you describing pedal freeplay, not a spongy pedal? The pedal travel before you feel resistance?

It sounds as if you are.

Here is the pedal adjustment spec sheet.

Tom

That's just what I was looking for, thank you very much< I'll post back with results.

I adjusted freeplay as Tom suggested, and things are a little better. It certainly helped a lot. Still something missing though, I'll have to check the master cyl.
Thanks Tom