Intermittent brake failure

2007 KIA PICANTO
78,000 MILES • MANUAL
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MUTTIE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Bought car 22/4/17 brake pedal a bit low on way home but thought that was normal for car. Three days later brakes failed but okay after pumping. Left dealer a message but he denies getting it. Mechanic looked at car. New calipers and pads already on no visible leaks or air in system. Dealer refusing to take car back. Any ideas please?
May 16, 2017 at 3:11 AM
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HMAC300
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
have this checked for a failed master cylinder and make sure fluid is full in reservoir. then have a mechanic with a scanner bleed brakes with scanner so he can open valves on ABS unit as there may be air inside ABS unit.
May 16, 2017 at 6:01 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Was any warranty offered on the car or was it an "as is" transaction? If none then you are stuck.

From the description it sounds like they replaced the other parts and shoved the pedal to far down while bleeding (or the brakes failed and the pedal went to the floor). Either way the internal seals and piston cups are probably damaged. Either rebuild or replace the master cylinder as HMAC says. If it has ABS you will need to have that bled as well.
May 16, 2017 at 8:07 AM
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