Hi all, I'm currently working on my fathers 02 Mini Cooper R50.
I have just replaced both rear brake lines.
After bleeding the system I just can not get a firm pedal.

First I tried bleeding with a vacuum kit on the air compressor.
And the good old one at caliper and one at brake pedal.
Also ran the car and got the ABS to kick in.

But I always end up with a squeeze pedal.

Any ide on how to get the nice firm pedal again?

 

are you sure it's still soft? I always feel like the pedal is soft after I bleed the brakes, but nobody else feels it. I'd say bleed all four corners again and see if you find any air hanging out in there. It's a pain to waste brake fluid, but that's the only sure way to make sure you got all the air out.

 

Were the brakes firm before you changed the lines? If so, you may just not have all the air out or there is air in the other lines.

Pressure bleed is better from my experience than vaccum and the two person method.

I've seen brakes get soft due to a leaky master cylinder so you may want to check that too.

 

I guess all the air should be out. Have bleed every corner like 10 times, so would be a little surprised if there still is more air in the system. Will give it another try later and hope the system is fixed over the night or something. If not, there is more than sufficient brake power.

 

Update!
Bleed the system once more, just in case. Gave the keys to my father and he was happy, he did not say anything about the pedals, but said the brake effect was a little better. So looks like its okey, just hope it will pass local tests tomorrow.