Wanted to get an idea on what the pedal is supposed to feel like. I had a brake fluid exchange done and am starting to notice a soft pedal engagement and a bit mushy when I add more pressure. The brakes are responsive just not sure why they feel soft. Is this normal?
G. P
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Under normal driving condition it should feel very responsive and firm. The only time i would classify the brake as "softer" is after extensive track use when getting closer to the brake fluid boiling point. Originally Posted by 2gosu
Wanted to get an idea on what the pedal is supposed to feel like. I had a brake fluid exchange done and am starting to notice a soft pedal engagement and a bit mushy when I add more pressure. The brakes are responsive just not sure why they feel soft. Is this normal?
Quote:
yeah I’m getting the pedal softness and there seems to be more pedal travel than pressure to get it to stop. It feels like I could push the pedal close to the ground if I really wanted to. Braking is also gradual and I find myself letting go of the brake and then re-applying because it’s an odd sensation lolOriginally Posted by G. P;[url=tel:9255960
9255960[/url]]Under normal driving condition it should feel very responsive and firm. The only time i would classify the brake as "softer" is after extensive track use when getting closer to the brake fluid boiling point.
maybe after fluid change, some air entered and/or air bleeding has not been done properly
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Originally Posted by 2gosu
yeah I’m getting the pedal softness and there seems to be more pedal travel than pressure to get it to stop. It feels like I could push the pedal close to the ground if I really wanted to. Braking is also gradual and I find myself letting go of the brake and then re-applying because it’s an odd sensation lol
There are several possible causes:
Most common: Air trapped in the hydraulic system during a fluid change. If pedal firmness improves after pumping the brake pedal, air is present in the system.
Second, often overlooked: Air trapped inside the ABS module. During a brake fluid service, the ABS valves must be cycled using a scan tool to fully purge the system. In this case, the brake pedal may gradually firm up over time as the trapped air disperses through the fluid. However, this condition shortens brake fluid longevity and is not a proper fix.
Third (unlikely): If the pedal slowly sinks under steady pressure, pumping does not improve firmness, and there are no external leaks, this may indicate an internal master cylinder failure.
(Just to clarify for non-technical members: these pedal firmness checks should be performed with the vehicle stationary and the engine running.

the bleeding procedure was botched and needs to be revisited. It is easy to make a mistake and there is an air bubble in the system. The ABS module situation is possible but the least likely scenario besides air in the master cylinder itself. Your technician needs to go through the procedure again and use an appropriate fluid as some fluids are more compressible than others. I just finished this procedure on my '18 GTR and my pedal is hard as a rock. The ABS module does not need to be cycled to complete a typical brake flush/bleed unless air is introduced by allowing the master cylinder to empty completely.






