I had new brakes installed and now they are very soft. Put it back in the shop today and they promise me that there is no air in the lines. They say that sometimes installing new brakes, running new fluid can expose issues in the master cylinder. They are looking at it now.

I'll see what he says, but I think I want a second opinion.

 

I'm no mechanic, but that seems fishy to me. I'd be surprised if there were issues with the master cylinder in an 05. Did they give you any more details about what these issues might be? Hopefully someone else can chime in here.

 

Different pad compositions can give a different brake feel. For example, many have reported that Akebono pads have a slightly soft-ish feel.

Also, and don't take this the wrong way, but it's common to be ...um...overly aware of brake pedal feel immediately following brake repairs. "The brake pedal feels soft" following brake work is a very common complaint.

Cheers
DD

 

I wouldn't disagree with Doug, but I would be suspicious of the master cylinder excuse. Don't let them talk you into replacing it without confirmation from another source.

 

Doug,

Sounds like you've suffered a combination of soft pedals and hard customers.

Graham

 

Master cylinder failures can be caused in the bleeding process if a rust ridge has built up in the normally unused portion of the cylinder bore, depressing the pedal to the floor can cause the seals to be scratched/torn. To avoid water in the brake lines, change it every two years.
I use a vacuum pump to bleed the lines, in any case I would get a second option before installing a new master.

 

Many times!

I've even tricked *myself* into believing there was a problem....and I should know better.

Here's a story....I'll try to be brief.

Over the many years I've serviced/repaired nearly all of the family cars, mom's, dad's, brother's, ex-wife's (still), etc etc. To prove my theory, although I was already pretty well convinced, I performed a little experiment using my dad and the ex-wife as subjects. On returning the car I mentioned that I 'adjusted the brakes'....which was a total fabrication as I never touched 'em.

Sure enough, I got phone calls saying "Thanks for working on the car but now the brake pedal feels a little soft"

Cheers
DD

 

Kinda like having a "smoother motor" or "better performance" after an oil change?

 

Exactly.

Personally I find that a Satuday spent waxing the paint and shampooing the interior somehow makes the entire car smoother and even quiets down the rattles

Dad was ultra sensitive to engine smoothness. I attribute this to his years as a pilot. Anyhow, I had to give him the placebo treatment many times. "I re-gapped the plugs for you, Dad". The next day he'd call and say "Wow, the car NEVER ran so well. Good work, old trooper".

Dear old Dad. I surely miss him.



Cheers
DD