New brakes seem softer and not stopping properly

Tiny
LIBBY300
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 HONDA JAZZ
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
I've just had brand new front brake pads and discs and when I apply the brakes I have to press more firmly and to the floor to come to a complete stop. They seem softer. Is that normal?
Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 8:38 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
The only way that I have seen this be normal is when you use pads that are "softer" then the others. However, it is such a small difference that it is not really noticeable. So if you are feeling like it is harder to press them due to them feeling softer I would say that is not normal.

The thing that makes the most sense is air was introduced to the system when they were changed. At this point we need to bleed the brakes and retest this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-bleed-or-flush-a-car-brake-system

Let us know what you find and we can go from there. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

That doesn't sound normal. I do have a question. When you say to the floor, does the brake pedal actually reach the floor? Also, was anything done with the rear brakes?

If the pedal is reaching the floor, check to make sure there are no leaks. Confirm the brake master cylinder is full of brake fluid. Also, take a look through this link and let me know if it helps:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-pedal-goes-to-the-floor

If that isn't what is actually happening, let me know if any work was done on the brake calipers, of you feel any amount of a drag when coasting, or anything you can think of that may help me diagnose the issue.

Take care,
Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 6:12 PM
Tiny
LIBBY300
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
Thanks for replys. I'm going to contact the garage who replaced the brakes today.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 11:28 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Sounds great. Let us know what happens. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 7:12 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links