Got pads and rotors changed. Have a ???

[Wikkdgt]

I just had my brake pads and rotors replaced at a pep boys. I am wondering if there is supposed to be less stopping power until they break in or what? I noticed that it is alot harder to get the car to stop quickly. I know they had to compress the calipers to get the pads off but they didn't have to bleed the lines. It just doesn't feel like it is grabbing very hard. The pedal feels really soft and goes down towards the floor alot further than before. If I pump on them a few times as I am stopping then the pedal starts feeling stiffer like it's supposed to. I called them back right away and he said that it will feel like that until the pads break into the rotors. Does all of this seem right?? Thanks in advance.

 

[cryptic]

Pepboys;

Unless you are good friends w/ a tech, I'd never ever take one of my cars to pepboys.
I know that w/ ABS breaking systems, some can be a little spongey...but you should never have to pump the brakes in order to get a solid stop.

 

[cryptic]

Brakes;

Get to a sfe place(like a parking lot) and get up to about 50, slam the pedal all the wat to the floor. If it doesn't stop you, or at least clear up your un-certainties I'd have a second shop look at it.

 

[Too Slow]

it could also have to do with the rotors and pads they put on. they could have put ****ty pads or the rotors could have needed to be machined even though they were new.

 

[FallenPhoenix]

sounds to me like there's a little air in the system I wouldn't trust their word any further than I can throw my mustang.

 

[Wikkdgt]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I'll take it somewhere else and get a second opinion. Maybe get the lines flushed.

 

[n0v8or]

I wouldn't trust Pep Boys change my air freshener, never mind brake parts. Their new employee test for automotive competency consists of being able to spell "car" correctly within 3 tries.

I can think of several causes for the excess pedal travel:
(1) They used crummy rotors with excess runout. That pushes the pads furthur apart when you release the brake pedal.
(2) They tightened the lug nuts in a single pass with an air wrench set to 200 ft-lbs, warping the rotors. Same effect as (1), plus the pedal will pulsate when brakes are applied.
(3) They used thick fibre shims behind the pads. They fibre must be compressed before the pads start to move.
(4) The surface of the pads is glazed. This may improve with use or get worse.

 

[n0v8or]

Two other possibilities:
(1) If they pushed the caliper piston back in too quickly, and without opening the bleeder valve slightly, the seals in the master cylinder may be damaged.
(2) They may have permitted air to enter the system.