Why is my brake pedal soft after replacing brake pads?
Quote from ScanToolGuru on June 17, 2025, 2:33 pmI recently replaced the brake pads on my car, but now the brake pedal feels very soft and spongy when I press it. The brakes still work, but I have to push the pedal much further down than before. I bled the brakes once but the issue is still there. Could there be air trapped in the system or is there something else I should check? Any advice would be appreciated!
I recently replaced the brake pads on my car, but now the brake pedal feels very soft and spongy when I press it. The brakes still work, but I have to push the pedal much further down than before. I bled the brakes once but the issue is still there. Could there be air trapped in the system or is there something else I should check? Any advice would be appreciated!
Quote from Deleted user on June 17, 2025, 2:38 pmAfter replacing brake pads, if you didn’t bleed the brake system, air can remain in the lines causing a soft pedal. Also, check if the calipers were properly seated and if there’s any brake fluid leak.
After replacing brake pads, if you didn’t bleed the brake system, air can remain in the lines causing a soft pedal. Also, check if the calipers were properly seated and if there’s any brake fluid leak.
Quote from DIYDan on June 18, 2025, 11:03 amAfter replacing brake pads, a soft brake pedal is often caused by air trapped in the brake lines. Try bleeding the brakes to remove any air and restore proper pedal feel. If the problem persists, check for possible leaks or issues with the master cylinder.
After replacing brake pads, a soft brake pedal is often caused by air trapped in the brake lines. Try bleeding the brakes to remove any air and restore proper pedal feel. If the problem persists, check for possible leaks or issues with the master cylinder.
Quote from AutoFixerMike on July 12, 2025, 10:11 amA soft brake pedal after replacing brake pads is actually a pretty common issue, and it usually comes down to one of these reasons:
Air in the Brake Lines – This is the most common culprit. When you change the pads, air can sneak into the system. Since air compresses, unlike brake fluid, your pedal will feel soft or spongy. A proper brake bleeding is needed to get rid of that air.
Brake Caliper Piston Not Seated Correctly – When you push the piston back during pad replacement, it might not return to its proper position. That extra space needs to be taken up before the brakes fully engage, which can cause a soft pedal feel at first.
Brake Fluid Issues – If your brake fluid is old, contaminated, or low, it can affect pressure in the system. Top off with fresh DOT-appropriate brake fluid and check for leaks.
Improper Bedding of New Pads – New pads need time to seat properly against the rotor. During this break-in period, you might notice a slight softness.
Master Cylinder Problems – If your vehicle has high mileage or you pressed the brake pedal with the calipers removed, the master cylinder seals might have been damaged, leading to internal leaks.
A soft brake pedal after replacing brake pads is actually a pretty common issue, and it usually comes down to one of these reasons:
-
Air in the Brake Lines – This is the most common culprit. When you change the pads, air can sneak into the system. Since air compresses, unlike brake fluid, your pedal will feel soft or spongy. A proper brake bleeding is needed to get rid of that air.
-
Brake Caliper Piston Not Seated Correctly – When you push the piston back during pad replacement, it might not return to its proper position. That extra space needs to be taken up before the brakes fully engage, which can cause a soft pedal feel at first.
-
Brake Fluid Issues – If your brake fluid is old, contaminated, or low, it can affect pressure in the system. Top off with fresh DOT-appropriate brake fluid and check for leaks.
-
Improper Bedding of New Pads – New pads need time to seat properly against the rotor. During this break-in period, you might notice a slight softness.
-
Master Cylinder Problems – If your vehicle has high mileage or you pressed the brake pedal with the calipers removed, the master cylinder seals might have been damaged, leading to internal leaks.