Help needed as soon as possible!

I know this is a Honda forum, but I need help immediately.

I ventured out to change the pads and discs on my mom's car this morning (1998 Toyota Corolla). I've done many brake changes before, but ran into a problem upon completing this job.


PROBLEM:
After draining a bit of the brake fluid, to ensure there was no excess air in the lines, and topping off the brake fluid resevoir to just below the 'max' line, I pumped the brake pedal in the car three times, without ignition, and everything seemed fine.

When I turned on the car, and pumped the brake pedal, it sank right to the floor board. Took it out for a drive around the street at low speed. The car does stop, but the pedal sinks to just about the floor - and it does not stop as new pads and discs should.

What do the brake gurus on the forums think the problem is?

If anybody might know what the problem is, please post or PM me.

Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like you need to bleed the brakes or pump them more than a few times.
Sometimes when you change brakes you need to pump them a bunch.

With the car off, you should be able to pump the brakes until your get a firm pedal.

I know this sounds dumb, but check a few of the following things:

1.) That all bleeders are tight
2.) that you have installed all the brake pads, and verified correct installation
3.) have someone pump on the brakes, and observe their motion.
4.) bleed the brakes again until you have a firm pedal with the car off.

 

I don't know what the Corolla brakes look like, but some types have an anti-rattle spring that's like a wire you stretch around between the caliper & bracket. It might be possible to position that spring wrong, so it pushes the caliper out away from the rotor. Then you'll have to pump the pedal every time you want to stop.