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brakes soft still??!

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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 02:12 PM
  #1  
96xjshaggy's Avatar
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From: Holiday, Fl
Year: 1996
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Default brakes soft still??!

So i have a 96xj 170k on it it had new MC, brake calipers, and rear wheel cylinders. Don't know what to do next brakes still soft. There soft as i press them then get a little firm and slowly sink after.
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 02:13 PM
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Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
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Did you adjust up rears ?
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 02:19 PM
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I'm assuming that you bled them? How old is the fluid? You might need to change the fluid and flush the system.
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 02:20 PM
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From: Holiday, Fl
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It's been a while I'll do it after work but my brake light is on as well and they pull sometimes
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 02:41 PM
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Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
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Originally Posted by 96xjshaggy
It's been a while I'll do it after work but my brake light is on as well and they pull sometimes
Brake light being ons a good sign rear brakes are in need of attention ,pulling would be the front line since everything else is new.
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 03:37 PM
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did you bench bleed the master cylinder before installing it?
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 04:36 PM
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I bet you a few $$$ you didnt bleed the valve assembly...
I have been chasing the same soft brake peddle issue and found that bleeder on there.


Just question before advice arrives:
with the engine off does your brake pedal become firm when pumped a few times? and no leaks anywhere?

- adjust the rear brake shoes
- Blench bleed the MC before install
- bleed the valve assembly (bleeder in front facing the radiator) after MC has been installed
-Do a thorough and decent bleed procedure on the system, starting with wheel furthest away from MC and ending with the wheel closest. If you generously bleed, you will have your flush at the same time refereshing your old fluid

Yes, there is an adjustable rod that goes (from the brake booster) into the MC, that is sometimes advised to adjust.
Another side thing is your OEM rubber brake hoses in front...as time goes by, the aging lines will add to the softness of your brake pedal.

My bet is still air in the system somewhere....
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 05:28 PM
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Year: 1987
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Engine: 4.0 with 96 cam and 19lb.four hole injectors
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Listen to Roler ^^^^
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 06:27 PM
  #9  
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From: Holiday, Fl
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Okay so no leaks, brake it's firm with engine off tried pumping still nice and firm. I am going to get all new ss lines. But about this bleeder valve assembly where it's it located exactly??
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 06:36 PM
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Did you adjust rears yet ? Proper adjustment of rear shoe regulates pedal height after this is done then re bleed system in normal order ,PR DR PF DF .

Last edited by freegdr; Jan 26, 2014 at 06:39 PM.
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 06:40 PM
  #11  
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Like I said....first step in the process.
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 07:35 PM
  #12  
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From: Holiday, Fl
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Okay ima buy new rear shoes, adjust, and then bleed again. Hopefully all is good
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 10:49 PM
  #13  
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let us know how you go....and remember: bleed ALL the components (you'll be surprised how much air will be in your valve assembly . Bleeding that assembly I would use the two-person-method.
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 10:58 PM
  #14  
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Definitely let ya know
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 11:03 PM
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New shoes will not cure soft pedal. But if you need them, go ahead.

Like other posters have said, you've still got air in the system.
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