Soft brakes
 

On my 96 tsi awd, I just had my brakes re-done, but they feel the same as before. Before I had cheap rotors, cheap pads, stock lines, etc.

I just got stainless lines for all 4 brakes, powerslot rotors and porterfield pads in the front. I assumed this would have helped a lot, but I can't tell the difference at all, they're still pretty squishy.

Besides bleeding them, any ideas? Do they take awhile to break in and grip well?

Re: Soft brakes
 

Only thing could be that it wasnt bled properly, or your master cylinder is going bad or the air assist isnt working properly?

Pedal should be rock hard, has been in all my cars in the past.

Re: Soft brakes
 

Agreed. That setup should feel nice and solid when you push the pedal.

Re: Soft brakes
 

Did you bed the pads yet? Do several (like 4-6) 80-20mph stops. Push the pedal down HARD, but maintain control of the car.

Re: Soft brakes
 

That wont make a pedal go from soft to hard though, just bite better. If his pedal is mushy or soft there is another problem.

Re: Soft brakes
 

Does the pressure change when you pump it?

Re: Soft brakes
 

Oh yea good call, I forgot to mention that, sorry. If I hit the brakes to stop for a second or two, then release and quickly re-apply, it's firm like it should be. It was like that before the brake change as well.

I replaced my brakes two years ago and it had the same problem, even after bleeding them. Also, my ABS light came on a little over a year ago, not sure if that applies.

Re: Soft brakes
 

That sounds like your master cylinder needs to be replaced.

Re: Soft brakes
 

The new master cylinder is in, feels much better. Now there less than an inch of play before it starts grabbing. Still a little bit stiffer after pumping, but not a huge difference like before.

Re: Soft brakes
 

Good to hear!

Re: Soft brakes
 

I really need to change mine. Mine are soft and firm up in the same way. I'm glad to hear it cured your problem, because I have been assuming an internally leaking master for a long time.