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2020 Civic SI - Soft Brake Pedal After Pad & Rotor Swap

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:48 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Honda Civic SI

I just replaced the front brake pads and rotors on my 2020 Honda Civic SI. Everything seemed to go smoothly, but now the brake pedal feels really soft and spongy. I have to push it almost to the floor to get good braking power, and it doesn't feel safe.

I bled the brakes using the two-person method after the replacement, starting with the passenger front, then driver front, passenger rear, driver rear. I went through a whole bottle of DOT4 fluid. Did I miss something?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 1:48 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A soft or spongy brake pedal after a brake job on your 2020 Honda Civic SI almost always indicates air in the hydraulic system. Even if you bled the brakes, it's possible some air remains.

Steps to Diagnose and Fix:

  1. Re-bleed the Brakes (Thoroughly):
    • Ensure the master cylinder reservoir never drops below the 'MIN' line during bleeding.
    • Start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (typically passenger rear), then driver rear, passenger front, and finally driver front. This is the correct sequence for most vehicles, including your Civic.
    • Use a clear hose on the bleed screw submerged in brake fluid in a container.
    • Have the assistant press the pedal firmly and hold, then open the bleed screw until fluid/air stops coming out. Close the screw, then have the assistant release the pedal. Repeat until no more air bubbles are seen.
    • Consider using a vacuum bleeder or pressure bleeder for a more consistent bleed.
  2. Check for Leaks: Inspect all brake lines, calipers, and the master cylinder for any signs of fluid leaks. Even a tiny leak can introduce air or reduce pressure.
  3. Calipers Installed Correctly: Ensure the calipers are installed correctly and the bleed screws are at the highest point. If a caliper is upside down (which can happen on some aftermarket designs), air can get trapped.
  4. Master Cylinder Issues: In rare cases, if the brake pedal was pushed to the floor without the calipers installed or with the bleed screws open, the master cylinder seals could have been damaged. This is less common but possible if the pedal was over-extended.

When to See a Shop: If multiple thorough bleeding attempts don't resolve the spongy pedal, or if you notice any leaks, it's crucial to have your Civic inspected by a professional mechanic immediately. Driving with a soft brake pedal is extremely dangerous and could lead to brake failure. They can diagnose potential master cylinder issues or other component failures that might not be obvious.

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