I rebuilt the stock brake calipers on my R53 and installed new rotors, pads, and stainless flexible lines and a brake fluid reservoir. I bled everything (including the clutch slave cylinder) using a pressure bleeder that I've used a number of times before. When I took the car out for a test drive, I noticed that the brake pedal travel was MUCH longer than before. It appears that all 4 calipers are engaging -- the coating is worn from the contact surfaces on all 4 rotors. I don't think I've ever driven a car that had air in the brake lines so I don't have experience with this but I wouldn't say that the pedal feels spongy. I know air in the lines is the first thing that will come to mind but I wasn't getting bubbles when I stopped bleeding. Could it be air in the ABS? If so, what's the procedure for getting air out of the ABS using a scan tool? I've seen many references to using the scan tool to activate the ABS to bleed it but I don't recall seeing a procedure.

I'd like to hear any suggestions on how to take care of this. Thanks.

 

I feel that the brakes are softer every time I change/bleed my brake fluid. I do a few things to get the “feel” back.

1. A few good hard stops getting the ABS to kick in. Some people use a scan tool to cycle the ABS.
2. Use a piece of wood pressed hard on the brake peddle over night. Put a pad on the seat and bring it forward to press the wood.

Might be in my head but it seems like these two procedures get me back to a better brake feel.
* found both of these here on NAM

 

Thank you. I'm going to try activating ABS with the scan tool and then bleed again. Will see what happens.

 

Every time I change pads/rotors I get a soft pedal. It eventually gets back to normal after the pads have bedded in.