I did the upgrade to 05-07 brakes last night. I'm running oem pads with Castrol GTLMA Brake Fluid. I blead the system considerably and everything seems to work fine, it just feels wierd and I'm not sure if it's normal for this setup. The following is a description of how it feels.

If I press the brake pedal it feels like this:

1/3 feels like nothing is going on.

2/3 feels a bit grabby, like the brakes really want to stop the car.

3/3 offers tenatious grip that will EASILY lock up my 20" wheels ( FAR easier than my oem setup did ).

Going from 1/3 to 3/3 offers very little resistance and doesn't feel "mushy" so I THINK it doesn't have any air in the system and locking up the tires is very easy to do so it seems to be working fine, it's only the brake pedal FEEL that's funny.

For anyone who has this setup, is it normal that at first it seems like there is nothing going on as you push the pedal ( like a dead spot ) and then there is a sudden rush of braking force?

Also, here are some pics. I painted the calipers charcoal gray with a heafty coating of clear to make them nice and shiny.

 

this is not surprising. many owners experience soft pedals including myself.

 

Tonight I'm going to rebleed with the help of my wife to see if any air comes out. If no air comes out then I'm just going to assume it's normal unless someone on this forum tells me it's not.

 

I dont think my brakes are like this. But the newer brakes are a nice upgrade~

 

I just finished doing a rebleed and it's still the same. Absolutely no air came out. I think my problem is that I'm just used to how it USED to feel, which was a much sturdier pedal feel while braking power was much weaker, and now it's the opposite...lol...a softer pedal, less responsive pedal with massive braking power.

Does anyone know if brake pedal travel can be adjusted?

 

One thing the older setup has is a sharp initial bite from the aggressive pad, which isn't there as much with the 05+ setup. They both stop the car very quickly, but the feel is different (based on driving a friends 06 Sedan and my 05 AWD). I'm doing this same upgrade once the weather warms up. It will be so nice having clean wheels that stay that way for a while.

 

Driving my car today I started to feel that my new brake pedal feel is normal I guess but if anyone else wants to chime in please do. I'm not too happy about the pedal feel but the car does brake awesome!

 

i think it all depends on what you're used to, it is very soft initially but that "soft" area is what i use to brake 99% of the time so it isn't like it doesn't make you stop. but if you are comparing to cars where you touch the brake pad lightly and it is still and pretty much slams you to a stop, no it's not like that.

 

Yeah, I think you are right. While driving today I was realizing that in most of my braking I was applying very little force which is not how it used to be but it was working out well nontheless. I actually like the touchy feeling though....too bad I guess. Either way I'm super happy with the brakes, they are absolutely great.

 

so let me ask. oem pads and the fluid is what is makin the difference? cause i have the same rotor set up (factory that is) and my pedal is spongy the first time i hit it but it seems i have to hit it twice in order for it to really grab. any input? anyone>>>

 

o didnt see you this was a 03. sorry but still i have a 06 and it drives me crazy pumpin twice in order to stop on a dime or very quickly... even had a friend drive it and that was the first thing he said "the break dont feel right"

 

Spongy usually means you either have a VERY lousy pad or you have air in your brake fluid. Has the calipers/master cylinder/fluid ever been serviced? If not, then your problem is probably the pads.

 

i would try bleeding

 

I seem to remember reading here that you need to pull the fuse for the ABS system when you bleed the brakes. I have done mine many times but have never done this.

 

Why? The car is off when I do it.