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View Full Version : Bendix Tech Tips: Brake Problems - Spongy pedal



motorculture
27th June 2012, 05:04 PM
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Bendix can help you diagnose and solve your brake problems.


To help you fix brake problems you may be experiencing, we have prepared some helpful tech tips to ensure you achieve optimum braking performance and safety.


As there are a number of issues that arise with your cars breaking system, it’s always good to keep a look out for the possible symptoms below.


Low / Spongy brake pedal


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What do you mean by low/spongy brake pedal?


When I brake, my brake pedal goes almost to the floor. When I brake, the brake feels like I have no reserve left. My brake pedal has a spongy feel to it – the firmness in my brake pedal is gone. These are all symptoms of a spongy or low brake pedal.


How does low/spongy brake pedal happen?


Insufficient brake fluid in the master cylinder may cause spongy or low brake pedal. The brake lines may have contaminants like air in them, not having been bled properly at your last service or possibly the brakes may not be adjusted properly.


Is there any way of preventing this from reoccurring


Always ensure that a qualified and experienced brake fitter services your brakes. Spongy or low brake pedal is generally not an indication of brake wear but more likely a fault in fitting. If you service your own brakes make sure that you fill the master cylinder to the appropriate level and that you bleed the brake lines before use.


Probable Cause & Corrective Action:


If your pedal touches the floor before your brakes start to react, you know there’s a serious issue! If this sounds like something you’re experiencing, use the following check list to identify your problem.


Check the master cylinder for fluid. If it’s empty, check the system for a leak and repair.
Excessive free play in the brake pedal linkage. Adjust for proper linkage
Pad ‘knock back’. Examine rotor run out and parallelism, bearing adjustment, etc.
Excessive clearance between linings and drums. Adjust brakes.
Contaminated fluid. Replace fluid
Residual line pressure valve faulty. Check and replace.
Air in hydraulic system. Bleed the whole system and replace with fresh fluid.




For more useful Brake Problem Tech Tips from Bendix, visit http://www.bendix.com.au/tech-tips/brake-problems


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Bendix offers a range of brake fluids that will help rectify your spongy braking woes. Visit http://www.bendix.com.au/content/high_performance_brake_fluid for further information!