Mushy Brake Pedal

[Guest Roger The Racer]

My brake pedal has had a long pedal ever since I purchased the car 6 months ago.

All the pads and discs were worn, so i changed all 4 of them and pads and bled the system with the gunson pressure bleeder that connects to a tyre valve.

 

The pedal was no better, and even once the brake discs and new pads were bed in it still sank down towards the carpet when running. There is no fluid loss anywere and i had got used to it until my friend drove my car and complained to me that something is not right and it may have air in the system somewhere especially with ABS.

 

Today I got the car checked at a Ford dealership, and after they had given it a brake test and made some observations under the bonnet they claimed :

 

These old (1996) galaxies are all like that , and there is nothing wrong with it !!

The technician said the vacuum pump pulls the pedal down ?

 

Has anyone had a similar problem ? And does anyone know if it is a fault and can be fixed.

 

I look forward to your replies

Roger

[soptom]

Ours, (p reg) is exactly the same, we had new discs and pads all round and a bleed and it's just like yours, I queried it and was told the same. It's just passed its MOT (incredibly, first time) and they didn't issue any advisories.

Does yours definately have ABS too?

[johnb80]

When you changed the pads did you release the bleed nipple when you pushed the pistons back? I beleive it's possible to invert the seals in the master cylinder if you don't which results in long pedal travel and the pedal sinking all the way to the floor slowly. try clamping all the brake hoses, you should then have very little pedal travel, release the clamps one at a time and see if one of them makes a huge difference, if that happens you know which corner to check.

 

Regards - JB

[Topbloke]

stop the engine pump the pedal does it go hard and not creep down of so all is well if not then there is an issue

[Guest galaxysam]

Would agree the pedal is a bit squishy on mine as well, it does pump up so I dont reckon there is anything wrong with it, its just the way they are.

[marty16610]

Mine is exactly the same 99/T reg,ABS. New pads and discs all round, fluid changed and pedal still sinks to the floor. When engine off the pedal feels firm and doesnt sink down. Flew through the MOT brake test yesterday so im not worried now. :unsure:

[johnb80]

We've gone over this one before, brake pedals should NOT reach the floor. Saying 'Theyre like that' is completely mad, they are definately NOT like that. If you guys want to keep driving with pedals that reach the floor thats fine but please stay away from me and my family because I don't wish to be involved in your suicide drives.

 

Regards - JB

[Guest galaxysam]

Mine dont go that far but its a soft pedal compared to my vectra, thing is the more servo assistance you give a brake pedal the softer it gets, the galaxy is a heavy car and is fitted with discs all around ( drum brakes as fitted to some cars on the rear have a self servo affect ) so would require a fair amount of servo assistance, that being said if you can push the brake pedal to the floor something is wrong and should be sorted out as a matter of urgency.

[chicosi]

Mine's the same (98, 2.3Si)

 

The pedal doesn't go to the floor but it does feel 'long' despite having been bled with a Gunson's eezibleed, so there's little chance of air being trapped

[Guest marcusheawood]

...Look, jb is right, there IS a problem. My car is a '96 and the brake pedal is fine. It sounds to me like there is a seal inverted or the brake bias valve is faulty, have you checked the fluid level (it's not the easiest to get to)?

[soptom]

No-ones post says the pedal REACHES the floor, they just all seem to have long travel. Ford and a brake fitting centre and an independant MOT centre couldn't find a problem.

[johnb80]

Clamp off the hoses and check the travel, there should be very little, if you still have travel then the problem is in the master cylinder / abs / pipework.

 

YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE A LOT OF TRAVEL.

 

If it's the norm, why are people raising the subject? Clearly when work has been done additional pedal travel has been noticed which must mean things are not as they should be. Many members have commented before on thses issue's, yes the brakes still work but something isn't right, clearly a weakness on the Gals IF work is not carried out correctly.

 

Regards - JB

[johnb80]

Today I got the car checked at a Ford dealership, and after they had given it a brake test and made some observations under the bonnet they claimed :

 

These old (1996) galaxies are all like that , and there is nothing wrong with it !!

The technician said the vacuum pump pulls the pedal down ?

If their knowledge is such that they know the old Gals are like that, why did they open the bonnet?

 

Smacks off, not sure on this one..... bullshit time.

 

Regards - JB

[soptom]

Clamp off the hoses and check the travel, there should be very little, if you still have travel then the problem is in the master cylinder / abs / pipework.

 

YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE A LOT OF TRAVEL.

 

If it's the norm, why are people raising the subject? Clearly when work has been done additional pedal travel has been noticed which must mean things are not as they should be. Many members have commented before on thses issue's, yes the brakes still work but something isn't right, clearly a weakness on the Gals IF work is not carried out correctly.

 

Regards - JB

Work being done makes no difference, the original post states that his pedal has been long since he bought the car.

Calling them suicide drives is hysterical over reaction. At least two of these suicide drives have passed MOTs in recent weeks and been okayed from Ford.

[johnb80]

Oh well that alright then.

 

>>Work being done makes no difference, the original post states that his pedal has been long since he bought the car.<<

So you're saying in it's long life it's never had any work done?........ I think not.

 

Head in the sand, my cars alright.

 

Just because it passes the MOT it does NOT mean all is ok, it means it has reached a set standard. AFAIK pedal travel is not measured.

 

Excessive pedal travel on Galaxys has been discussed before, including pedals actually getting to the floor. If this is 'normal' how come people have mentioned it, how come mine doesn't do it and how come it's usually following replacing pads etc.

 

Stick your head in the sand for as long as you want, Galaxy pedal travel is 'normal' it should not get even close to the floor. The brakes work very well indeed with very little pedal travel or pressure WHEN THEY ARE IN FULL OPERATING CONDITION, no if's but's or anything else PERIOD

[soptom]

Good for you, well done.

[Guest thobbs]

JB - you seem to be very near exploding! ;)

 

My 2 pence! If the pedal seems to travel more than you think it should, ask someone else to drive your car and see what they think... All cars are different, I previously had a Vectra which had long travel; Hell - you get used to it, until I drove the wife's Galaxy around and gave myself whiplash at every junction!!! She drove mine and said the brakes are CR@P, so off to the garage.... Yes Sir, they are fine. I personally bled the system and replace the brake hoses, it was a lot better! Finally got rid of it and got a Focus ST, Now I know what they should have been like!!!

 

Just get someone else to see what they think, before thinking you are safe.

 

 

BRAKES - Not just for Christmas! :blink:

[Masked Marauder]

The correct servo test is:

 

Turn on the engine and let it run for a few seconds. Turn off the engine.

 

Press the brake pedal. If it is hard it is an MOT fail. If it is soft you pump the pedal until it becomes hard. Leave your foot pressed down on the brakes and check the pedal does not sink slowly. Keep the pedal pressed and start the engine.

 

The pedal should now fall slightly and stop. If it does not fall or goes to the floor it is a fail.

[Masked Marauder]

JB - you seem to be very near exploding! ;)

 

My 2 pence! If the pedal seems to travel more than you think it should, ask someone else to drive your car and see what they think... All cars are different, I previously had a Vectra which had long travel; Hell - you get used to it, until I drove the wife's Galaxy around and gave myself whiplash at every junction!!! She drove mine and said the brakes are CR@P, so off to the garage.... Yes Sir, they are fine. I personally bled the system and replace the brake hoses, it was a lot better! Finally got rid of it and got a Focus ST, Now I know what they should have been like!!!

 

Just get someone else to see what they think, before thinking you are safe.

 

 

BRAKES - Not just for Christmas! :blink:

Too late for you now, but Vectra brake servo assistance is adjustable by changing the length of the servo push rod.

[Guest 1969tony]

I wouldn't draw comfort in the fact that they have passed MOT's at Ford - in my very short experience of Ford's they probably didn't even check the brakes.

 

INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY !!

[seatkid]

I recommend people contact their dealer and ask them to check if their vehicles have had the following recalls actioned...note these are safety recalls and will be carried out free of charge even if the vehicle is out of warranty....

 

 

Recall: 2 of 3

Recall Ref: R1999/097

Exact Model:

Description: POSSIBLE WATER INGRESS INTO THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR

VIN: VSSZZZ7MZTV000001 TO VSSZZZ7MZYV509825

Build Date: March 1996 to September 1999

Numbers: 9100

Defect: Subject vehicles have been fitted with a brake reservoir cap that may allow water to seep into the brake fluid over a long period of time. This could ultimately reduce the effectiveness of the brakes.

Action: Recall affected vehicles to fit a replacement, redesigned reservoir cap, and renew the brake fluid. In addition, as a precautionary measure on certain older vehicles, the brake master cylinder will also be renewed.

Launch Date: 31 January 2000

 

Recall: 3 of 3

Recall Ref: R1996/112

Exact Model:

Description: BRAKE SERVO FAULT

VIN: WVW...7M.TV500116 TO WVW...7M.VV504757

Build Date:

Numbers: 463

Defect: The brake servo may not release fully, allowing the brake pads to remain in contact with the brake discs. This may result in overheating and loss of braking efficiency.

Action: The remedy involves the fitment of an additional pull off spring to the brake servo.

Launch Date: 30 January 1997

[johnb80]

JB - you seem to be very near exploding! :blink:

 

Nah, not me mate, completely chilled, just amused (and concerned) that people can say the brakes are alright for all the reasons stated when in their heart they know theyre not, who are they trying to kid?

 

Take care - JB

[soptom]

JB - you seem to be very near exploding!  :blink:

 

Nah, not me mate, completely chilled, just amused (and concerned) that people can say the brakes are alright for all the reasons stated when in their heart they know theyre not, who are they trying to kid?

 

Take care - JB

You're a mind reader too? No wonder you're always right.

Mine passed the servo test someone posted, but for other peoples sake, I will start wearing a little bandana round my head with a rising sun on it. ;)

[johnb80]

Wear what you like mate, if you're happy driving around with sub standard brakes thats up to you, so long as you don't endanger me or my family thats fine.

 

Regards - JB

[Guest Roger The Racer]

Ok Guys,

 

Thanks for all the responses, as many of you mentioned the pedal does not actually go to the carpet !! but it is quite long and spongy and feels like like its sinking to the floor.

 

I've checked all the fluids and for leaks etc, and its all fine.

 

One gets used to it, and certainly when you compare it to other cars old or new the pedal travel is much much longer and this gives you a sense that something is not right.

 

As many other people have the same thing, in one respect I'm pleased and maybe this is a perfect reason for this trait, or as someone else said.....maybe something is not correct but alos not a danger ?

 

I will noe rest and leave it as the braking effect and retardance is very good especially as I also fitted x4 new calipers, disc, and pads at the same time.

 

Roger.