Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Suspension, brake, and hydraulic/electric steering discussion.
johnpz2721
Posts: 65
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2019 7:30 pm

Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Post by johnpz2721 »

I added Front 4 piston brembo calipers from a SS Camaro
I noticed now the pedal feels somewhat spongy ?
Bled brakes thoroughly any thoughts ?
User avatar
Mooseman
Posts: 1075
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:35 pm
Location: Ottawa, ON Canada
Contact:

Re: Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Post by Mooseman »

I wouldn't think that any air got into the ABS unless the master cylinder ran low during bleeding. Might need to cycle the ABS with a scan tool if that's the case.
2011 Caprice PPV, former RCMP test vehicle, never put into service
Build Thread: http://www.newcaprice.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2419
johnpz2721
Posts: 65
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2019 7:30 pm

Re: Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Post by johnpz2721 »

Master never got low. When I lock up the brakes I don’t feel the ABS working ?
User avatar
Mooseman
Posts: 1075
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:35 pm
Location: Ottawa, ON Canada
Contact:

Re: Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Post by Mooseman »

Maybe try on a gravel road. Are the wheels actually locking up without ABS activating?
2011 Caprice PPV, former RCMP test vehicle, never put into service
Build Thread: http://www.newcaprice.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2419
Navy Lifer
Administration Staff
Posts: 1724
Joined: Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:30 pm
Location: Canton GA

Re: Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Post by Navy Lifer »

What pads are you using with the Brembo swap(?) - that can impact pedal feel.

Just to be 100% clear, the calipers are installed with bleed ports at the top - yes?

I suggest you do another bleed - perhaps with a pressure bleeder - if that means having a shop do it, so be it....it's worth it.

If doing this DIY, did you have an assistant?

Are you using a catch container with clear tube, and is the tube submerged in fluid so it can't draw air back into the caliper?

Use a rubber mallet to tap on caliper body when bleed port is open, and watch for any bubbles in the fluid coming out.
CrashTestDummy
Posts: 2300
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2015 2:31 pm
Location: Pearland, Texas

Re: Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Post by CrashTestDummy »

Navy Lifer wrote: Mon Oct 28, 2019 10:54 am <SNIP>

Just to be 100% clear, the calipers are installed with bleed ports at the top - yes?

<SNIP>
All of Bill's points are good, but this one is important. We've had at least one member who got these calipers discover there are (LF) and (RF) stickers on these calipers, and it appears the calipers he got had these swapped, resulting in the bleeder screws pointing down. You'll never get all the air out of them with the screws oriented that way.

Page 5 here:

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=2778&start=40
Gene Beaird,
Pearland, Texas
2012 Caprice 9C1
1992 B4C 1LE Camaro
2018 Tahoe PPV (her car)
1995 DGGM Impala SS
1985 Firebird - 310 LS1 C Prepared autocross car.
1980 Bluebird Wanderlodge
And some others
Do YOU have my SPID?
User avatar
Fudgehog
Posts: 278
Joined: Sat Aug 19, 2017 2:08 am
Location: Wisconsin

Re: Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Post by Fudgehog »

LOL yeah that was me installed them upside down.

I initially had the spongy pedal issues, but I just had to keep bleeding them. I also ran the abs purge valve function but it did not tighten up the pedal.

If I recall correctly, I bled from right rear, left rear, right outboard, left inboard, right inboard and then left outboard.

I think it was alternating the inboard and outboard bleeders that ultimately got me good pressure. With one last bleed on the rear after I had the front procedure down.

Hope that helps.
13 Caprice 6.0L, Solo catback exhaust, 3.27 diff, VCM OTR and Volant throttle spacer, MSD coils plugs wires, transmission pan upgrade and widemouth filter. Camaro 18" rims.

Active Duty USAF
johnpz2721
Posts: 65
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2019 7:30 pm

Re: Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Post by johnpz2721 »

Bleeder Screws are on top !
I used a clear hose and a catch container to bleed
I thoroughly bled this with an assistant in the car
Pads are OEM Brembo I feel the stock pedal felt firmer !
Navy Lifer
Administration Staff
Posts: 1724
Joined: Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:30 pm
Location: Canton GA

Re: Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Post by Navy Lifer »

Even with that, how is stopping power?

Are you using 355 rotors and earlier generation Zeta Brembo calipers, or 345 (OE PPV) rotors and current generation Alpha calipers?

Only other thing that comes to mind is whether GXP & SS, with fixed calipers, used a different pedal ratio than PPV's, so that response is different with Brembo calipers on a car with a brake system designed for floating calipers.
johnpz2721
Posts: 65
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2019 7:30 pm

Re: Spongy Pedal after Brembo update

Post by johnpz2721 »

Calipers Came off a 2017 Fireball 700 with 2000 miles Orig pads are still like new and I am using the stock rotors that come on a 2014 very spongy still
Post Reply