Brake Diagnosis

[stirling33]

I have non power discs up front and drums in the rear, I have noticed lately that the pedal travel is very long and the pedal has a soft feel while braking. Basically I have to "stand" on the brakes to stop.

Is this normal for non power brakes or is it time to replace pads or what else could be causing this.

 

[silverbluebp]

Have you checked the fluid level? Bled the brakes lately?
Visually check the pads and shoes?

As the pads and shoes wear the fluid will drop to compensate for the lost space.

 

[reenmachine]

Yes, it sounds like air in the system and/or low fluid level. Good manual discs should stop pretty well without standing on them.

 

[WORTH]

Long travel is also common if the rear brakes are out of adjustment, the disc's will adjust themselves, but the drum self adjusters don't always work well.

 

[5.0ina66]

Long travel is also common if the rear brakes are out of adjustment, the disc's will adjust themselves, but the drum self adjusters don't always work well.

Amen to that! :SNSign: My Nissan is doing this right now, mushy mushy, and I can't get it to work right

To test this, pump the brakes, once, and see how it feels, then again and check. It should start feeling a lot more solid of a pedal after a pump or two.
Pumping the brakes will push out the rear wheel cylinders, getting the shoes closer to the drums, lessening the amount of travel so the shoes contact the drum sooner. When properly adjusted, they should already be close to the drums, ergo no pumping or mushiness.
HTH
--Kyle

 

[stirling33]

I will check the fluid levels this evening, so if that is the case is there any particular brake fluid that these cars like or is any old brand going to work.

 

[mustangdave]

Any fresh DOT 3 fluid. Don't use fluid that has been sitting around because it gathers moisture.

 

[John Z]

I will check the fluid levels this evening, so if that is the case is there any particular brake fluid that these cars like or is any old brand going to work.

If you find you need fluid, find out why! It is normal for the fluid level to drop some as the disk pads wear. In fact on newer cars low fluid can indicate it's time for new pads. If you've lost enough fluid that it's affecting brake performance chances are you have a leak.