1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Soft Pedal Fix

CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
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SANEWITHINSANITY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 98 Monte Carlo Z34 and just replaced the rear pads. The piston in the caliper on the rear left brake came out too far when i was screwing it, but got it back in no problem. Now that I finished replacing the pads on both sides on the rear, my brake pedal was way too easy to push in. I drove the car around for about 10 min hoping that the brakes would warm up and adjust, but the pedal remained very easy to push in and the car didnt want to stop. I parked the car in looked at my brakes all the way around, and the front right and rear left were ice cold, which i assume means they werent enguaging. Please help. I have no idea what to do and this is my primary car. Any help is appreciated.
Dec 16, 2006 at 8:53 AM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 337 POSTS
When the piston for the caliper came out you opened the brake system letting air in. Did any fluid come out??? Any time air gets into the system you MUST bleed the system. Start by making sure the master cylinder is full then start bleeding the system at each wheel cylinder/ caliper. Start at the furthest wheel first then work your way back to the front of the car. You will need someone to pump the brake pedal serveral times then hold the pedal down while you bleed each caliper from the bleeder valve. Crack the valve slightly and watch for the air to come out. It will spit and brup as you open the valve. Close the valve and start again. Do this untill no more air comes out. Continue untill each wheel is done. You should notice as you go along that the brake pedal will get harder. Good luck and remember to keep the master cylinder full. Backyardmechanic
Dec 16, 2006 at 9:26 AM

Suggested Repair

Bleed the brake system to remove air that entered when the rear caliper piston came out. Fill the master cylinder, then bleed each wheel starting with the farthest from the master cylinder and working toward the front. Have a helper pump and hold the pedal while you crack each bleeder until only fluid comes out, and keep the master cylinder full throughout.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 replaced the rear pads. The rear-left caliper piston came out too far and was pushed back in. Afterward the pedal was very soft, stopping power was poor, and the front-right and rear-left brakes stayed cold. The expert explained that air entered the system and must be bled out at each wheel, starting farthest from the master cylinder, while keeping the reservoir full.

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