2003 Volkswagen Passat slumping brake pedal

2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
73,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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TOM LAWRENCE
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  • 1 POST
I changed rear brake pads on our Passat. It's all together again. I can lift the brake pedal up with my foot, but when I let it go the brake pedal slumps about 1 inch and the brake lights go on and stay on. The brakes also apply themselves, so I can only drive the car by holding up the pedal.

Thanks,

Tom
Sep 10, 2009 at 4:16 PM
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DUBTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 159 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Did you use the proper tool to retract the rear caliper pistons? If not properly done you may have damaged the rear calipers.

Make sure the parking brake cables are connected properly and the brake lines are not kinked.
It is also common for the pads to be installed incorrectly. Also verify all of the anti-rattle springs mounted on the pads are sitting in the caliper properly. If they are not aligned properly the pads will sit crooked and cause noise and possible dragging of the pads.
Sep 14, 2009 at 1:23 PM
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