spongy brakes

[spondulick]

replaced brake pads on ford focus 1.8 zetec hatchback on thursday, done this job on other makes but on focus it seems more spongy and needs more effort than others to stop vehicle checked for leaks everything seems ok, do you think they may need longer to bed in.

[gazz10]

not sure if 1.8 and 1.6 zetec same brakes.


But i did front recently and seemed ok after changing, out with the old in back in with new pads. Thats all i did, never bleed or nowt.

All was spongy for 5 - 10 mins as per usual with replacement brakes, but after that all was back to norm.

[spondulick]

thanks for your reply will leave for a few more miles then if no change may have air in system.

[adam28]

Ive had this before, and was solved by bleeding the brakes.

Regards

Adam

[spondulick]

thanks adam.

[cactikid]

at times bleeding brakes will help,dare i ask if pads are fitted/seated correctly.
worn discs will also have a spongy pedal for a longer while until pads wear in,

[markieg]

May also be worth checking that the fluid resevoir level is still in between max and min marks..

[adam28]

Also if your discs are lipped you need to grind the edges of your pads so they sit in the discs properly. or better to get new discs.

[spondulick]

thanks adam disks are lipped

[cactikid]

new discs and pads will make a difference in braking efficiency and safety,worn discs and pads will not slow you down as quick as new ones ,think safety first.

[umoja]

Also, only buy branded brake discs/pads. Unbranded ones may be of sub-standard quality. I used to buy Mintex but nowadays I buy the genuine manufacturers brake parts. Its worth the extra for the peace of mind. One foot in stopping distance could be the difference between a close call and an impact with the car in front.
Stick to the genuine manufacturers parts if in doubt.

[gmb45]

if the spongy feeling remains sounds like the powered steering or servo thats at fault