Brakes: Pedal travel

Nvy · July 10, 2018, 08:16

Hey guys,
I noticed something when i drove the car a while back - the pedal travel for the brakes to start biting is in the middle and way lower than my other cars. Is it normal and if not can it be fixed any way?

Joesson · July 10, 2018, 08:40

Firstly check your brake fluid level and if ok, then with engine running while stationary give the brake pedal several hard pushes. This will likely reset the brake pistons.

james_ly · July 10, 2018, 10:09

Air in the system, need to bleed the brakes.

mr2garageswindon · July 10, 2018, 11:11

I doubt it is air in the system, how would it get in there?
I suspect the caliper sliders or a piston has seized. Strip and clean and inspect.
I'm sure it will be an easy fix.

Nvy · July 10, 2018, 11:14

Quote from: mr2garageswindon on July 10, 2018, 11:11
I doubt it is air in the system, how would it get in there?
I suspect the caliper sliders or a piston has seized. Strip and clean and inspect.
I'm sure it will be an easy fix.

The bolded thing was done last month, its not that. I had rear caliper sticking but now its fine. Ill maybe try to bleed it or the 1st suggestion from @Joesson.

Carolyn · July 10, 2018, 11:20

Quote from: Nvy on July 10, 2018, 11:14
Quote from: mr2garageswindon on July 10, 2018, 11:11
I doubt it is air in the system, how would it get in there?
I suspect the caliper sliders or a piston has seized. Strip and clean and inspect.
I'm sure it will be an easy fix.

The bolded thing was done last month, its not that. I had rear caliper sticking but now its fine. Ill maybe try to bleed it or the 1st suggestion from @Joesson.

Might as well do both?

Nvy · July 10, 2018, 11:26

Quote from: Carolyn on July 10, 2018, 11:20
Quote from: Nvy on July 10, 2018, 11:14
Quote from: mr2garageswindon on July 10, 2018, 11:11
I doubt it is air in the system, how would it get in there?
I suspect the caliper sliders or a piston has seized. Strip and clean and inspect.
I'm sure it will be an easy fix.

The bolded thing was done last month, its not that. I had rear caliper sticking but now its fine. Ill maybe try to bleed it or the 1st suggestion from @Joesson.

Might as well do both?

Yeah, will do both. Its easy enough to press the pedal couple of times

james_ly · July 10, 2018, 11:45

Quote from: mr2garageswindon on July 10, 2018, 11:11
I doubt it is air in the system, how would it get in there?
I suspect the caliper sliders or a piston has seized. Strip and clean and inspect.
I'm sure it will be an easy fix.

Old brake fluid absorbs water, water compressible, hence more pedal needed. Seized piston/slider you'd be getting binding brakes, shouldn't have affect on the pedal as the system should adjust to piston position.

mr2garageswindon · July 10, 2018, 14:29

Quote from: james_ly on July 10, 2018, 11:45
Quote from: mr2garageswindon on July 10, 2018, 11:11
I doubt it is air in the system, how would it get in there?
I suspect the caliper sliders or a piston has seized. Strip and clean and inspect.
I'm sure it will be an easy fix.

Old brake fluid absorbs water, water compressible, hence more pedal needed. Seized piston/slider you'd be getting binding brakes, shouldn't have affect on the pedal as the system should adjust to piston position.

If the sliders are sticking and not moving when the piston comes out can give you long pedal travel. I have seen it many times before.
A bleed is worth a go if the rear brake has been sticking as may have boiled the brake fluid.
Surely contaminated brake fluid is unlikely as everyone changes the fluid every 2 years as Toyota states on the service sheet...
I'm sure you will find a caliper at fault or someone has over adjusted the handbrake in its time again can cause long pedal travel.