Mushy brake pedal

[topred]

I replaced the front brake pads today on my 1999 996 cab. Generally it went well - replaced the OEM pads with Mintex and also replaced sensors. Didn't open the bleeder valves, but removed excess fluid from the reservoir. After I was done I pumped the brake pedal several times (engine off) and it seemed to come up to pressure.

The problem is now the brake pedal feels mushy. Before the pad change, the pedal traveled only a short distance before encountering firm pressure. Now the pedal seems to travel at least twice as far before engaging. The brakes work, but they just don't feel normal.

Any suggestions how to fix this? Thanks.

Bob

Edited January 31, 2010 by topred

[therock88]

Hi,

You should bleed down your brakes at the bleed valves. If all was working reat prior to your brake pad replacement, the only thing you likely did was to introduce air bubbles

into the fluid lines. That is what makes them spongy or mushy as you suggested. Use a power bleeder or a helper to pump them and start with the farthest caliper from the

reservoir first. You want to move all the fluid through until it is clear and free of bubbles. Also as a standard maintenance procedure Porsche recommends flushing and replacing

the old fluid every two years anyway. Brake fluid is a desiccant (absorbs moisture) so you want to replace it regularly.

Bleeding should be an easy job for you. And I would bet money that if you bleed your brakes properly, you will not have the mushy feeling. It is the air bubbles in the fluid compressing.

Good luck! And hope that helps.

DC

[ivangene]

+1 for bleed your lines - air/moisture is a classic mushy pedal maker

If you are near Seattle I will help you do it, I have a power bleeder you/we can you too

[topred]

Thanks both of you for your suggestions and gracious offer. I was hoping since all I was doing was compressing the pistons I wouldn't introduce air into the system, but guess I was unsuccessful.

Hopefully I can find the right kind of brake fluid on a Sunday (my car is my daily driver). Been a very long time since I've bleed the brakes, but I think I can handle it.

Bob

[therock88]

On your brakes....It is probably still OK to drive, just be careful.

You introduced air into the system when you pushed the calipers back to make room for the new pads. That is why it is a must to bleed always afterward. No big deal to bleed,

and should still stop fine...Again, just be careful.

On fluids I have included info on a recommended fluid for VW/Audi/Porsche as well as specs.. Just make sure what you get meets the specs:

TE BLUE Vw Brake Fluid - (Mfg. In Germany)

* Meets DOT 4 brake fluid specifications.

* Dry boiling point of 536° F and a wet boiling point of 396° F.

Edited January 31, 2010 by therock88