how can i get a "full brake pedal" ?

Question

i changed my girlfriends front brake pads and rotors on a 98 grand am, i also bled them. But we don't think her brakes are really any better and she doesn't have a "full brake pedal" either? What else would prevent her brakes from working really well? thank you

Answer 1

the rear brake pads might need changed or set up, check the pad wear on them and if good turn the star wheel on each one of them until the brake pads just drag a little on the drums, that should fix your problem.

Answer 2

There is a leak somewhere in the system. It is likely the master cylinder. I would check that first. Some cars have a "proportioning valve. This could also be the culprit. Also check your brake lines. Check your fluid level. If it is low, then you have a leak somewhere. Find it and fix it. You can go to auto parts store, and get a technical manual for 98 Grand Am, which can give you detailed troubleshooting and repair instructions. Whenever I get a car, it is the very first investment I always make, because it is well worth it. Look for a Chilton's manual, or Haynes. These cost maybe $10 or $12, but they EASILY pay for themselves the very first time you use them - in fact, you are likely to come out ahead, if you have one of them. Otherwise, pay a car mechanic $60/hour or more to fix the problem for you.

Answer 3

check the rear brakes. the front brakes are disc brakes, and are self adjusting. the rear brakes are probally drum brakes, and if they are, that is where a low pedal would come from. the rears are also self adjusting, but over time, the self adjusters rust and stick. also, many people over look changing the rear brakes, and they wear out too. if the rear brakes are worn out, and the self adjusters are not working properly, that would cause a low pedal. also, make sure all the air is out of the brake system when you bleed them.

Answer 4

check the brake hardware, It should be a 4 wheel disc system, youll never get a great pedal on them but, the brake in period is about 500 to 1000 miles and the pedal will get better if everything is working properly

Answer 5

rebleed the whole brake system. if it has ABS and you let the master go dry, then you will need to take it to a shop and have them use a ABS scan tool to cycle the solenoids to get air out of hte Hydraulic control unit. did you use cheap pads? did you resurface the rotors? did you get any grease on the friction surface of the pads or on the rotors?

Answer 6

when you change pads you naturally havre to take a clamp and move the piston back so you can put the new pads on .after you finish that then you are supposed to gently press down the petal and slowly let is comeback up and do that till you get full petal. no need to bleed brakes unless you have changed the calipers themselves. maybe you screwed up by trying to bleed them. you may only need to pump the brake petal s-l-o-w-l-y so that the petal comes up. my nizzle!

Answer 7

There could be a few factors the rotors could be worn thin, The rear breaks need maintenance and then the master cylinder needs replacement.

Answer 8

If the pedal is spongy of travels to the floor it is most likely the master cylinder. BUT the good thing is this is a pretty easy DIY job.

Answer 9

There is STILL air in the brake lines.
Or
Vacuum booster is not working.

Also, I don't know what you mean by "full brake pedal"?
Could you elaborate.....

Answer 10

air lock in the line, check the connections and pressure bleed the brakes