The feeling of your brakes going to the floor after changing brake pads can be terrifying. You feel that sinking feeling as your car loses its ability to stop, and your heart starts pounding. “What did I do wrong?” you frantically think. I know the feeling personally. After changing my brake pads on my old Honda, I took it for a test drive and realized with horror that the brakes were barely working. This experience is far from uncommon. I knew I had to fix the issue, and that led me down a rabbit hole of research and eventually, a successful repair. I even learned some things about brakes I didn’t know before. So, if you’re experiencing this issue, don’t panic. Read on, and you’ll get a better understanding of what went wrong and how to fix it.
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Why Do My Brakes Go to the Floor After Changing Pads?
The most common reason for brake pedal going to the floor after changing brake pads is a simple mistake: not properly bleeding the brake system. Air in the brake lines is highly compressible and prevents proper hydraulic pressure from reaching the calipers to engage the brake pads. This results in a soft or spongy brake pedal, and in some cases, the pedal may even go all the way to the floor without significant braking effect.
Here’s a step by step explanation of why this happens:
Understanding the Brake System
Your brake system works on a simple principle: hydraulic pressure. When you press the brake pedal, it pushes a piston inside the master cylinder. This piston pushes brake fluid through lines to the calipers at each wheel. The calipers then squeeze the brake pads against the rotors, causing friction and slowing your car down.
The Role of Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a vital component of your vehicle’s braking system. It’s a hydraulic fluid engineered to resist compression under high pressure. This resistance is crucial for ensuring firm and responsive brake pedal feel. The fluid transmits pressure from the master cylinder to the calipers, enabling those important brake pads to squeeze against the rotors.
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Air in the Lines
When you work on your brake system, especially when changing pads, there’s a chance that air can enter the brake lines. Air is much more compressible than brake fluid. It significantly reduces the pressure required to activate your brakes, resulting in a soft pedal and reduced braking efficiency. In extreme cases, the pedal might go straight to the floor with minimal braking effect, making your car unsafe to drive.
Bleeding the Brakes
Bleeding the brakes is a critical step in any brake work. It forces air bubbles out of the lines and replaces them with fresh brake fluid. This process usually involves a person pumping the brake pedal while another person opens and closes a bleed valve on each caliper. The bleeding process is essential to ensure that the brake system is free of air and operates at optimal efficiency.
Troubleshooting Brake Issues:
How to Check for Air in the Brake Lines
Here are some ways to check for air in the brake lines:
- Check for a spongy brake pedal: A spongy pedal is a strong indicator that air is present in the system. The pedal might feel like it’s sinking when you press it.
- Check for uneven brake pad wear: If one or more brake pads wear out much faster than the others, it could be due to air in the lines.
- Look for leaks: Inspect the brake lines for visible leaks. If you find leaks, there’s a chance that air has entered the system.
Bleeding the Brakes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Bleeding your brakes is an important task that can make the difference between a safe and an unsafe vehicle. If you’re not familiar with this procedure, it’s highly recommended that you take it to a professional mechanic for assistance. However, if you are mechanically inclined and want to tackle the job yourself, here’s how to do it:
- Gather your materials: You will need a brake bleeder kit, fresh brake fluid, a wrench, a container to catch the drained fluid, and a helper for the process.
- Locate bleed valves: Your vehicle’s calipers have bleed valves. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might be located on the top or side of the calipers.
- Find a suitable location: A raised surface like ramps will make the process easier. You’ll need to be able to get the front wheels off the ground.
- Open the brake fluid reservoir: The reservoir is typically located under the hood and has a cap that can be removed.
- Open one bleed valve: Open the valve about one-quarter of a turn.
- Pump the brake pedal: Your helper should pump the brake pedal several times and hold it down.
- Close the bleed valve: As your helper holds the pedal down, close the bleed valve and then release the pedal.
- Repeat the process: Repeat steps 5-7 for each wheel, working your way from the farthest wheel to the closest.
- Top off the fluid: After bleeding each wheel, check the fluid level in the reservoir and add more fluid if necessary. Be sure to use fresh brake fluid.
- Road Test: After bleeding the brakes on all four wheels, take your car for a test drive. If the pedal still feels soft or spongy, you may need to bleed the brakes again.
Tips and Expert Advice
Never Run Out of Fluid
It’s critical to keep an eye on your brake fluid levels. If you see the level running low, check for leaks or add fresh fluid. Brake fluid degrades over time and attracts moisture, which can affect your brakes.
Seek Professional Help
If you suspect air in your brake lines and it’s a bit beyond your experience level, do not hesitate to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. They can diagnose the problem accurately and ensure a safe and effective repair.
General Brake Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of your braking system. Here are some recommendations:
- Inspect Brake Pads Regularly: Check your brake pads every 6 months or 5,000 miles. They should have at least 1/8-inch of pad material left.
- Check for Warping: Inspect brake rotors for warping, which can cause pulsation in the brake pedal.
- Maintain Correct Fluid Level: Make sure that you keep your brake fluid levels within the recommended levels. This helps prevent air from entering the lines.
FAQ
- Q: How often should I bleed my brakes?
A: Bleeding brakes should be done when changing brake pads or rotors, after a fluid replacement, or suspecting air in the lines.
- Q: What type of brake fluid should I use?
A: Check your car’s owner’s manual. It will specify which type of brake fluid is compatible with the model.
- Q: How do I know if brake fluid is contaminated?
A: Brake fluid should be clear or slightly yellow in color. If it’s darker or has a brownish hue, it can be contaminated.
Brakes Go To Floor After Changing Pads
Conclusion
Brakes are among the most important safety features of any vehicle. Understanding the fundamentals of your brake system, especially the role of air in the brake lines, empowers you to take control and ensure the safe operation of your car. Have you ever experienced this issue? Do you have any tips or advice for our readers about dealing with brakes going to the floor after changing pads? Share your experiences in the comments below!
