I put new pads on my 96 Accord and now the pedal feels mushy like the brakes need bleeding. I don't see why they would. I didn't open anyingthing to allow air in. The only thing I can think of is if while compressing the caliper piston to allow room for the new pads some air got past the seal. Could I have compressed it too far? Or is it more likely the master cylinder seals were damaged while I pumped the brakes after I got the new brakes in to squeeze the caliper pistons back in? The pedal did go all the way to the floor on the first push. The fluid level was alway full.

 

Just pump them a lot. Mine did this a long time ago and I just kept pumping the brakes. Scared me a few times.

You can also rev your engine a bit while pressing on the brakes AFTER you have pressure. This will help it a bit.

Mine hasn't done it again since then.

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll try that. It seems to hold firm with the car off, but when running it feels soft and can almost be pushed to the floor.

 

unlikely that you introduced any air from your description.
you did not say if you have rear drums.
anyhow, i have rear drums and after replacing my front disc pads and bleeding all around twice if still had a low petal.
i also had a long throw on my emerg. brake but thought nothing of it.
after months of spouse driving with the long foot petal i finally asjusted my rear brake shoes manually-book says they have auto adjust but they were very loose.

suscess, petal height has returned to normal and emer. brake is set after 2 or 3 clicks at normal pull.

 

well over a good amount of years water gets into the brakes lines due to condensation.

 

If you have never flushed your break system, I would suggest doing that.

Water does get in over the years from hot to cold, and water does build up from freezing.

Best to just flush the whole system and check the self adjusters in the rear for drum and check the pads if disk on rear.

Good luck

 

when putting new pads on did you open the bleeder screw when you compressed the caliper, if you didnt that could be a reason why you have a soft brake pedal. so you should bleed the brakes and then you should be good.

 

I did not open the bleeder screw when compressing the caliper. I have never heard of doing that. How does that work?

The brake fluid is pretty old and nasty, but brakes were firm before brake job with old nasty fluid.

It does have rear drums which I replaced the shoes on the day before. However, I tested the brakes after doing the rear drums, before doing the front pads, and they were firm.

Also, the brakes are very firm when the car is off.

On another note; the caliper mounting bolts are two different styles. One round with a bushing on the end. The other is not completely round and no bushing. Which goes on top and bottom? I wasn't paying attention.

Thanks for the help.

 

Go to http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com & put in your car's info. Look at the front brake picture, maybe you can see the different caliper slide pins. On my '98 Accord the pin with a rubber bushing goes on top, but that might not be the same for '96.

Since the brake fluid is old & nasty, it's possible that disturbing it has caused some damage to your master cylinder (piston seals). Try bleeding the brakes, but put a block under the brake pedal while you're doing that. So you don't stroke the pedal ALL THE WAY down. Obviously, don't leave the block there when you drive away...

If you have to replace your master cylinder, remember to get fresh brake fluid & bleed it every couple years.