So, today I changed my front brake pads. Not a big deal, quick & easy!

Well, it was, 1 hour tops. On the test drive afterwards though, I noticed that my brake petal was not as firm as before. I've pumped and pumped, but it's like I have to go about 3/4 way down to get any real stopping power.

This is what I did,

Removed caliper set up (did not remove any lines) to get pads off.
C clamped the pistons to make room for new pads. (pistons were even when clamping)
Put it new pads
replaced all hardware.

Where could I have screwed something up? Or is this normal to have a different feel after a change? I tested the brakes, by stopping hard at about 25-30mph and they stop fine. Just the uncomfortable feeling of my foot almost going to the floor now.

 

u got air in them somehow. try bleading them.

 

What type of pad did you buy? I see no need to bleed the brakes if all you did was a brake pad change.Air doesn't eneter the system changing pads. Give them a few miles to seat properly. If the new pads are riding up against any rust, that will certainly give you less braking.

Softer pads will also give the same feeling.

Good luck with your ride.

 

I bought Duralast from Auto Zone ( I know, I know, but I really needed the brakes and didnt have the cash to try something new out of Summit yet!)

My rotor is a bit rusty, just surface rust, none deep.

 

Did you take the top off of the fluid resevoir before clamping the pistons?

 

I did.

 

here a SWAG .. Mite be the break hose , one of the ruber hose up front mite be shot where they clog up on the inside (fall apart) this has happen to me..

 

DuraLast be the culprit! My opinion; they're crap. My son put them on his car and had the same results you got. When you get the $$ together, upgrade them pronto.
WC

 

Those pads fell like that when u put them on. I know from ecperience! Be careful cause u gotta get used to them....
They also smoke alot when u get them on at first.

 

It's the pads. I had those this past year and spent hundreds of dollars chasing the problem (new hoses, rotors, calipers) and finally replaced them. Any pad is better than DuraCrap.