I recently followed the online DIY on changing my front brake pads. The most complicated part is getting the caliper pin back in place. I replaced the front pads with inexpensive aftermarket pads and I still seem to have problems stopping. My pedal does feel a little "spongy" at times. What can I do to solve this problem. I dont have tons of $$$$$$ to troubleshoot at dealer or I would have initially taken my car there. Please help.

 

you need to bleed your brakes. But also, the pads need to brake in and bed to the rotors. that can take a bit, or you need to follow your favorite pad bedding technique.

To test out your brakes, go to a deserted area, and get to 40 MPH or so and stomp on them as hard as you can.
1) The pedal shouldn't go to the limit of travel.
2) The ABS system should come on.

If you can't get the ABS system to engage, and the pedal bottoms, then you have air in the lines. If the cars brakes lock, you're ABS system has issues (and you should have a dash light), if the pedal goes about half way, and pulses when the ABS system comes on, everything may be fine. Have you felt a difference in how the pedal feels? Are you still under warranty?

Matt

 

I

 

I replaced the pads about 6 weeks ago and have put about 2300 miles on the car. The car stops but you would think that the pads would help situation some. No the car is out of warranty, I have 59000 miles on it. What is the process of bleeding the lines?

 

but you'll want to connect a little hose and bottle onto it. Some fluid with bubbles will come out (slowly). When there are no more bubbles, close the bleeder and your done with that wheel. Do all four, but make sure the brake resevoir doesn't go dry (this would be bad).

If you have someone to help, they can press the brake pedal when you have the bleeder open. When they have their foot at the floorboard, close the bleeder so air isn't sucked in as the pedal goes up. Repeat this cycle until no more bubbles.

The reason that you don't want the resevoir to go dry is you can get air into the ABS pumps and that takes a visit to a shop to get properly bled.

Matt

ps, if you have a friend who's done this before and can help out it will go much, much faster. It's not hard, but it's easier to learn by following. Also search on "bleeding brakes" on Google and I'm sure you'll get lots of hits.