Mushy/Spongy Brake Pedal quote:

When I push the brake pedal, it feels "mushy".. It stops the car but i have to push farther than normal and it doesnt inspire confidence.. any thoughts? I know it could be bad pads, bad master cylinder, bad cable, or the system needed to be bled..(anything else?) Just wondering if this was common in Maximas..and if so, what is usually the problem(2000 SE with front brakes about 1 year old)

 

sounds like a leak in the master cylinder, but I can't see how that would be with a fairly new car. Check your brake fluid to make sure it's properly filled.

 

First thing you need to do is bleed them. That should be regular maintenance on any car. Contaminated fluid will cause a mushy pedal.

 

How regular... i think i feel the same feelign with my 2002 it takes alot more effort to stop....so at what mileage shold i do this???

 

Dunno about what Nissan states, but my tech buddies recommend at least every 30k. I doubt you have a leak unless you are leaking brake fluid, which case the brake calipers or lines would be wet and the pedal would go to the floor when you try to stop. Also, if the pads are getting to hot (brake fade) that will make it spongy.

Bleeding them would be the first step I would take. It will clean out the old contaminated fluid and flush the trash out of the lines. It's a cheap maintenance item, and won't hurt anything. I bleed mine every 15k on my cars.

 

what exactly is bleeding, will someone please explain?

 

Getting the air out of the brake lines

 

i think i'm having this same problem... my car only has 15k miles. Is this an easy DIY job or does it need to be taken to the dealership?

 

I knew I forgot something, good call. Air in the brake lines will casue a mushy pedal.

 

Make sure you got no water instead of brake fluid in the whole brake system like my friend had in his mustang.

 

Does the car have to be running when u bleed the brake system??

 

nope