hey:

my brakes are weird... most of the time i have to press the pedal like alittle more that a 1/4 way down to get my brakes to work. but every now and a then, as soon as i touch the pedal the brakes are Right there.

it gets really annoying because your foot gets used to one level, and then all of a sudden they are at a lower level. it's like "holy s***! where are my brakes?!?!?!?" and then you press alittle further and then they work. it is also kinda scary. i checked my brake fluid and it was a little low, so i got DOT 4 brake fluid. so now it is full and i still have the problem. any idea's? is this gonna get expensive??? any help is appreciated. Thanks -

chris

 

I think you should be using DOT 3 and not DOT 4. This could be a potential problem. One thing for sure DO NOT USE DOT 5 on the Maxima. It sounds like you have experiencing brake fade. If the brake pedal starts high but gets lower as you drive more, you are definitely experience brake fade. If you've had any brake experience, I suggest that you first check to see if your brake pads are still good. If your brake fluid was low (or close to low) either your brake pads are well used and may need replacing, or you have a leak in your brake lines. If your brake pedal has a firm feeling to it, good. If your pedal continues to go to the floor when you apply consistent pressure, you have other problems. Things to do:
1) Apply consistent pressure on the brake pedal when stopped. Make sure the pedal stops and doesn't hit the floor.
2) Make sure your brake booster is functioning. With the car off, pump the brake a few times...you should hear a vacuum-like sound and the pedal should get harder.
3) Check to see how old the brake fluid is.
4) Check the brake pads mainly the front ones.
5) Look for any brake fluid around the wheels or control arm.
6) Bleed the brake system. Start by removing the fluid in the resevoir with a syringe or straw (just use your finger to plug the top...DO NOT USE YOUR MOUTH). Fill the resevoir back to the MAX with some fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Go to autozone, pep-boys, or some auto store and buy a one-person brake bleeding kit. Instructions are on the back and is really easy to do.

 

Not to point out the obvious, but we are all assuming that you are NOT changing shoes or socks between break applications?

 

There's nothing wrong with using DOT 4 fluid. As you already noted, the problem is most likely air in the system which needs to be bled, or a problem with the brake boost system.

 

my back brakes are brand new. i removed both of the back wheels to inspect my e-brake problem i am experiancing, and i looked at the pads and they have alot of meat on them. (yes, my e-brake doesn't work either ) but i have not checked my front ones. other then that, it is not brake fade... i know that for sure. could it be air in the lines? if so how does air get in the line to begin with? and i heard that bleeding the brakes is a pain in the butt... is it really worth doing myself, or should i have it done? if i do it myself, how much does that kit cost iwannabmw? thanks for all the help..

 

Hello blkmax95sc

Bleeding the brakes is relatively easy.
You have to open up the bleeder valve that is on the brake calipers. Then place a pan underneath to collect the fluid.
Then get somebody to sit in the car and pump the brake pedal.
Pump the pedal until it stops spitting out air bubbles. When it just becomes a steady stream of fluid, then stop pumping the pedal and tighten up the bleeder valve.

Then fill up the fluid resovoir.

You should repeat that for all four corners.