7at11

Here's the dilly. I have had a inconsistent brake pedal for three weeks. I put new pads on and took calipers off to paint them. Attempted to bleed myself and failed to get them adequate. Had the brakes power bled, system was fine temporarily. Soon I had a mooshy pedal which would sometimes travel a great deal, sometimes just a little before a hard pedal and good braking. I had system power bled again (mechanic said a little air came out, but not much). Problem returned. Had master cylinder replaced, filled with Super Blue and re-bled yesterday and problem is still not gone! I think it may be vacuum related.... anyone? Common check points?
Extend your knowledge boys and girls, enlighten me, I need brakes

djantlive

Did the mechanic say why the brakes are stuff mushy? I would look into brake line fitment/leakeage near caliper, caliper alightment w/ rotor. When you did the brake job and took the caliper off, did you damage the piston rubber boots? Any leak from the pistons inside the caliper now?

Also, what type of pads did you put on the car? Crappy pads can make a difference.

7at11

To answer: the boots I don't believe damaged. I will recheck the fittings (brake lines to caliper). Admittedlly I bought nappa pads, though the best they had. Didn't have $ for Mazda pads at the time.
I talked to my shop again and they are thinking the ABS system, which made my heart stop because for few pumps of the pedal when I was bleeding the system when the ignition was on, and I was told this can damage the ABS and cost big $$ Anybody know what happens when you bleed w/ ignition on???
Thanks for input.

7at11

I think my rubber lines are cooked. They're swollen and bulging and so on, mechanics feel this is the problem, so Stainless are on the way. Thanks for the input.

Styk33

If the brake lines do not fix it you might want to check your master cylinder. That is usually the cause for an erractic pedal feel.

7at11

Yeah....uhhh, I already replaced that one in the attempt....ooops. Thanks though.