Richard Kirshy – I have a spongy brake pedal

I was able to check the front pads and they have plenty of meat left.

What are my next steps to fix the problem?

1) complete brake bleed?
2) check rear pads?
3) master cylinder (bad)?

What are your thoughts?

Topic

[Richard KirshyParticipant]

My first question would be, did this just happen on its own or did you perform some brake service and the result was a soft pedal?
I need a bit more information before trying to assist you

[Richard RamonParticipant]

The spongy brake pedal gave me reason to check the front pads.

[Richard KirshyParticipant]

Ahhh ok.
First, start with checking for any leaks.
Inspect all the lines, fittings, calipers and wheel cylinders.
Also carefully inspect all the flex hoses, if there is a faulty one it mat swell up when the brakes are applied causing a soft pedal.
That would be a 2 person job, one watching the hose while another applies the brakes.
Yes you’ll need to remove the wheels and brake drums.
While your in there you can also check the pad / shoe wear and R&R if needed.

If that all checks out good.
You need to ask when was the last time or how long has it been since the brake fluid was changed.
If you can’t remember, or it’s been several years, you may want to consider flushing it all out with fresh fluid.
There are YT videos showing how to do a single person gravity bleed.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by  Richard Kirshy.

[Richard RamonParticipant]

Excellent! Thank you as always for your expert advice

[Richard KirshyParticipant]

Keep in mind this is a step by step process and a process of elimination.
You start at the easiest and work up from there.
Even after going through all the previous steps it may not provide a resolution to the problem.
But at that stage you know for certain up to that point, the brake system is solid.

[Richard RamonParticipant]

Excellent!

Makes total sense. I will ask a guy I know to rent his lift for a few hours to make it easier to inspect.

[Author]

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