I replaced the front brake pads on a 1998 civic LX and now brakes are spongy?

Question

All I did was replace the front pads. Could I have introduced air into the brake line without even touching any other part of the brake system?

Answer 1

yes, you could have if the res was low on fluid. The more the pad has to travel (due to wear) the more fluid it takes. It could require all of the fluid if the brakes were real low, thus letting air into the lines.

Check the fluid level. if it is low (half full or less) then there is a good chance that there is air in the system. Get a quart of DOT3 and start bleeding until the air is out (may takie some time if the air is at the top of the lines as I suspect)

Have fun.

Answer 2

Soft Brake Hoses, Ballooning Out under Pressure (Replace)! Brake Rotors Need to be Turned! Need to Drain & Replace Brake Fluid!

Answer 3

It is possible (did you open the bleeder valve?) If you did, you definitely introduced air into the system.

Just bleed the system and see if it eliminates the spongy feel. If not, then the master cylinder may have gone out on you. If the brake fluid is dirty, sometimes this can potentially damage the master cylinder while performing a brake job.

Answer 4

If you didn't remove any lines or bleeders, you shouldn't have air in the system.
Sounds like the pads aren't seated on the calliper right.
Check to make sure they fit and aren't installed backwards.
If the rotors are badly worn or have deep grooves you will get a spongy pedal until the new pads wear into the grooves.

Answer 5

YES WHILE YOU PUSH IN THE CALIPER PISTONS YOU MAY HAVE.

YOU WILL NEED TO PRESSURE BLEED THE COMPLETE SYSTEM.

GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

bleed your brakes.