Brakes pedal feels soft

[lfalzarano]

After driving my wife Cadillac for awhile, I took my Z out for a run. The pedal feel felt soft compared to the Caddy and it seemed to take farther to stop then I remember.

I checked the brake fluid reservoir, and the front on was slightly low, but well above the min line. The rear one was full to the top.

Any suggestions to proceed in identifying the lower perceived braking performance. Pads were replaced at 50K miles and the car has 85K now. The brake master cylinder was rebuilt 6-7 years ago. The car is driven 15 miles twice a month for the last 6 years.


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[ImpalaDave]

I'd recommend flushing/bleeding the brakes. I had a soft pedal and dragging brake issues when I bought my 40k mile Z, bleeding them fixed it. There was some black stuff that came out, I think it was rubber dust suspended in the fluid.


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[LGAFF]

I think its the nature of the brakes to some extent, is the other car electronic braking? I have read switching to a camaro master cylinder helps with pedal feel

[32valvesftw]

Originally Posted by ImpalaDave

I'd recommend flushing/bleeding the brakes. I had a soft pedal and dragging brake issues when I bought my 40k mile Z, bleeding them fixed it. There was some black stuff that came out, I think it was rubber dust suspended in the fluid.


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The first thing I would do is replace the brake fluid. I like DOT 5.1 and run it all my cars. If you dont have stainless lines your lines may be aging and getting squishy.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Originally Posted by 32valvesftw

The first thing I would do is replace the brake fluid. I like DOT 5.1 and run it all my cars. If you dont have stainless lines your lines may be aging and getting squishy.

replace rubber hoses;
flush;
fill.

Easy and inexpensive.

Evaluate and update us.

Marty

[lfalzarano]

Originally Posted by DRM500RUBYZR-1

replace rubber hoses;

flush;

fill.



Easy and inexpensive.



Evaluate and update us.



Marty

Marty, do they make stainless steel ones for our cars or should I stick to the original rubber ones?


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[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by DRM500RUBYZR-1

replace rubber hoses;
flush;
fill.

Easy and inexpensive.

Evaluate and update us.

Marty

DOT 3 fluid absorbs water which in itself will cause the fluid to turn dark, along with deteriorating rubber seals too will result in darkening. And, of course AIR in the system results in spongy brake pedal and (in severe cases) cause the calipers to drag. So, I agree w/ Marty 100%: REPLACE the hoses, FLUSH, and FILL. (I'm using DOT-3 fluid and check it and replace it annually. No problems with peddle firmness or braking w/ my J55 (stock) calipers.)

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/373118465587

corvette central

stainless are near forever; rubber will need to be done again.

same labor, so go with stainless!


Marty

[lfalzarano]

Thanks Marty for the link. Just bought the last one.


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[-=Jeff=-]

If the rear is full to the top (above max) and the front is low, you need a new master