Long brake pedal travel

Long brake pedal travel

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Discussion

Watchman

Original Poster:

6,391 posts

252 months

Sunday 12th February 2012
quotequote all
I'm on my 2nd auto Legacy and I've driven a handful of manual Legacys, Foresters and Imprezas, and they all have a longer travel brake pedal than other manfs. Any idea why?

I think the autos are particularly bad. Anything I might try to resolve it... Or even improve it?

ScoobieWRX

4,863 posts

233 months

Sunday 12th February 2012
quotequote all
Brand new rotors and pads (if you haven't already), stainless steel braided brake hoses, brake fluid flush right the way through and refill system with Dot4.

Check the master brake cylinder and calipers to make sure there isn't an issue there such as leaks or air getting in the system through perished piston rubbers/seals/gaiter.

If you still have long brake pedal travel after that lot then I'm afraid that's it short of transplanting the brake system from a WRX or STi.

Watchman

Original Poster:

6,391 posts

252 months

Sunday 12th February 2012
quotequote all
The disks are OK for now but I'm going to have the fluid replaced and new pads in the next couple of weeks which I know will make them a bit better but the hire car I've just given back, and my wife's ML, have almost pneumatic braking compared with all Subarus I've driven.

I know that the new pads and replacement fluid will reduce the null-effect but it won't give the immediacy that other manufacturers build into their cars.

ScoobieWRX

4,863 posts

233 months

Sunday 12th February 2012
quotequote all
That's the reason why i suggested you change the flexible hoses to SS braided hoses. Flush and empty the system first, then change the flexi brake hoses all round, doesn't take long and very easy to do.

Goodridge or HEL brakes lines will see you good. Should firm up the pedal a bit and in turn help with pedal travel.

Subaru brakes are not the most responsive or sharpest but you have to trust they will work when you want them to.

Watchman

Original Poster:

6,391 posts

252 months

Sunday 12th February 2012
quotequote all
I agree that they have the power when needed. I'll check out the hoses - see if my motor factors can do me a deal if they do the work too.

Thanks.

ScoobieWRX

4,863 posts

233 months

Sunday 12th February 2012
quotequote all
You'll have more luck sourcing braided brake lines for yours from a Subaru parts specialist rather than a high street motor factors. A Subaru specialist will keep them in as a matter of course. No idea where you are but there will be a Subaru specialist somewhere near you or at least within reasonable driving distance.

It wouldn't surprise me if they are exactly the same part number as what's used on the Impreza.

Watchman

Original Poster:

6,391 posts

252 months

Sunday 12th February 2012
quotequote all
I think Crossroads in Treddington (the ones in the recent front page article about the super Impreza) are closest to me. I'm due a visit to them anyway - I'll ask about this too. Thanks again.

ScoobieWRX

4,863 posts

233 months

Monday 13th February 2012
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You're welcome thumbup

Crazysteve

90 posts

160 months

Monday 13th February 2012
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You coud also adjust the amount of free play on the brake pedal, did it my old ladys sport.
Small locknut and screw the piston rod out a couple of turns, not too much that the brakes bind.
Just make a note of how far you adjust it.

I would aslo double check the front calpiers, if the sliders have been sticking it can cause the piston to push out not quite square and cause the piston seals to leak.
Did not find this until changing the disc's & pads, on pushing the piston back oil weeping, no prior signs of leaks before.