Brakes need a pump before they grip

[misterskeetz]

Hopefully we can narrow down the possibilities here.


I noticed recently, after installing new brake lines, pads, and rotors, that when I first hit the brakes to stop my pedal goes 90% down to the floor before I feel any braking power. If I let go and press again, I get really good braking power with the pedal only pressed down 10%. As I understand it, I should be feeling the latter 100% of the time. Checked fluid level. Just as I left it after work was done so no leaks.

My thoughts on the possibilities...

1) Master cylinder has gone bad.
2) Rear calipers are going bad. (Had both fronts replaced at same time of install of other gear.



Please help!

 

[GSX93DSM]

Possiblity on the master cylinder. Also could still have air in the system. Try bleeding the brakes again.

 

[BoostFrenzy]

You need to bleed your brakes. If you have some extra brake fluid great. You'll probably need some more if it's your first time doing it .

Quick Example of how do to so by Defiant: Here

 

[misterskeetz]

Thanks for the replies. The first time I did the bleeding myself. Everything was fine but my front driver side caliper seized up causing smoke during the bedding of my pads. Took it to a diamond certified shop to have them take care of it. They may have messed up when they did their bleeding of the brakes. Hopefully that is what it is because that would be covered under their 30k warranty on their work.

 

[Cs4g63]

One of the best things to have when bleeding brakes.
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[Rx3]

Having a vacuum pump definitely helps when you are on your own. Gravity bleeding goes a bit quicker though, if you have a friend to pump the pedal for you. Definitely make sure there is no air in the system (that's what the problem seems to be from your post).

 

[misterskeetz]

The shop that had done work on my brakes when my front calipers seized has just gotten back to me with the diagnosis. My front calipers were replaced because they were so bad that they couldn't be rebuilt. Turns out that the brand new passenger side caliper had a defect and was the cause of the problem. They were able to get their hands on a brand new caliper and installed it for free due to the 30k warranty on all their work. I am a happy camper!

Thanks for all the insight. Strange that it turned out not to be any of the things discussed. So have a happy thanksgiving guys. Catch you after the game!