I installed new brake pads and rotors about 2000 miles ago and today on my way back from lunch my buddy in his 350z pulled up to run me. We took off I had to step on the brake a few times to keep from rear ending him. I barely pushed it down just enough to slow me down and now my brakes feel like there is nothing there. I pulled in to work I was going maybe 5 MPH and I had to put the pedal to the floor to stop.. WHY?


Tyson

 

maybe youve got some air in your lines? i was told to watch the brake fluid level when changing pads. bleed them asap!

 

if he changed em 2000 miles ago and had air in the lines the pedal would have been weak from the beginning. Air doesnt just magically jump into the brake lines or the master.

Tyson, check all your lines, you might have some how gotten a pinhole puncture in one of them. I dont know what else would cause a sudden loss in brake pedal, other than the master completely failing (which isnt likely on this car)
-GP-

 

thanks Grant I will check!

 

did u disconnect any lines to change the brakes?

 

I had the exact same problem. I dropped my car off last Thursday and I'm finally picking it up today. It took them almost a week to find out what was wrong with it. I had the brake fluid flushed and still did not work. I will let you know what the problem was with my car when I pick it up later tonight if you'd like. Here is the thread for my post:

Clicky

 

I didnt disconnect anything and when i left work today they were fine!

 

Depending on how hot your brakes got, it could be water in the lines boiling.

 

i was barely using them i have used the 10xs as hard before!

 

Did you use the same pads this time?

 

the only pads I have put on!

 

Im having a problem where I just replaced my rotors and brake pads. the problem is that the brake pedal is lower than before. is there a way I can bring the pedal back up? I did bleed the brakes numerous times, started with Rear, worked them in a X-cross way.. thanks in advance

 

Did you do the break in procedure? Pedal usually firms up after that

 

Honestly...you may have a failure. Check your calipers, lines, MC and looks for signs of a leak.

Having a pedal and then all the sudden needing to put the pedal to the floor to stop from 5 MPH is not normal at all.

 

With the car on and in park, fully depress the brake pedal and listen if you hear a hiss. I recently diagnosed a braking issue with my friend's newer Honda minivan. His wife stated the same exact problem. Basically the brakes worked, but they felt terribly weak and the pedal was soft. An independent shop inspected the brakes and said it was worn rear rotors and $400 to fix. I said BS and told my friend to bring the car to me. I measured the rear rotors and they were well within spec. Then I drove the car and the brakes felt wooden and the pedal spongy. Braking power seemed to be down by 40%. This told me there was a brake boost assist issue (ie reduce power brakes). I popped the hood to make sure no vacuum lines associated with the brake system loose or leaking. Those were fine. Then pushed the brake pedal with my hand and listened. I heard a faint hiss coming from the master cylinder near the firewall. Basically a small gasket between the master cylinder/firewall/pedal assembly was leaking air and reducing braking assist. That $3 part was a $450 dollar fix due to the labor to get the part in.

Cliffs - sounds like you've got a braking assist issue.