Hi everyone, just after a bit of help with the brakes on my new build....

The problem is that I have excessive pedal travel and a "spongy" feel to the brake pedal. The pedals are floor mounted and I can almost touch the bulkhead under a lot of foot pressure. If you pump the pedal it is like there is a big spring under the pedal. this happens then the car is stationery.

I have the standard Westfield "tandem" master cylinder with new genuine MX5 calipers front and rear, with new OEM pads and discs. I have narrowed the issue down to the front calipers as if I plug the front hoses with bleed nipples, I instantly get a solid brake pedal. I have bled about 10 litres of fluid though the system and and even bought 2 more new calipers + bosch pads and the pedal feel is always the same, crap.

I can't see there being any air in the system as like above the pedal is the same after another new set of pads, calipers and lots of bleeding. Braking itself on the road is fine apart from the pedal feel. I have read that it can take time for the pads to "bed in" and for the pedal fell to become normal - I would expect this when driving but not when just pumping the brakes when stationery?

P.S the front brakes are pulling up even on the brake roller tester at work so I would of though that would of excluded a problem or any air in one caliper.

Can anyone offer any advice?

Thanks
Shaun

The pads can take time to bed in on these sliding calipers.

To satisfy yourself, pop the calipers off, take the pads out, and chock the pistons back with something solid, 25-30mm square steel bar is ideal, if the pedal is now firm, as when you plug the pipes, you know all the air is gone, and its a bedding in issue.

As you say new calipers, I'm assuming the sliders are nice and free.

[Edited on 30/12/14 by r1_pete]

Calipers on the correct sides with bleed nipples at the top?

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies, sliders are nice and free and calipers are on correct sides with nipples facing up. Its supposed to be nice weather new years day so will try to find somewhere quiet and bed in the brakes!