Brakes: Impreza '03

[Jane]

I took my 2003 Impreza Outback in for service because the brake pedal was
pulsing and the brakes seemed to have very weak stopping power. The service
department "retrued front bake rotors with 'Pro-Cut Lathe' as needed". This
was covered under warranty. They also "cleaned and lubed" the rear brakes
and "adjusted" the rear brakes. The pulsing has gone away and, according to
the mechanic, the road test was "A-OK" after these brake repairs and
adjustments were made. But it feels to me like the brakes are still weak,
and the pedal is kind of squishy, compared to other cars I've
driven--including the 2005 Legacy wagon loaner I rented during the repair,
and my friend's Ford Escape, which has really great brakes. My Impreza's
brakes don't "grab" (in a good sense) until the brake pedal has been pressed
pretty far down. And my car is taking longer to stop than other cars I've
driven even after the brakes have begun to grab. Is there another
adjustment I can ask for which would make the brake pedal "higher" and less
squishy--so I don't have to press it down so far? And is there any way to
improve the stopping power of the brakes?
Thanks
J.

 

[Jimmy Joe]

I took my 2003 Impreza Outback in for service because the brake pedal was
pulsing and the brakes seemed to have very weak stopping power. The service
department "retrued front bake rotors with 'Pro-Cut Lathe' as needed". This
was covered under warranty. They also "cleaned and lubed" the rear brakes
and "adjusted" the rear brakes. The pulsing has gone away and, according to
the mechanic, the road test was "A-OK" after these brake repairs and
adjustments were made. But it feels to me like the brakes are still weak,
and the pedal is kind of squishy, compared to other cars I've
driven--including the 2005 Legacy wagon loaner I rented during the repair,
and my friend's Ford Escape, which has really great brakes. My Impreza's
brakes don't "grab" (in a good sense) until the brake pedal has been pressed
pretty far down. And my car is taking longer to stop than other cars I've
driven even after the brakes have begun to grab. Is there another
adjustment I can ask for which would make the brake pedal "higher" and less
squishy--so I don't have to press it down so far? And is there any way to
improve the stopping power of the brakes?
Thanks
J.

make sure the brake lines are bled well and consider getting stainless
steel brake lines to get a firmer pedal feel, get some good performance
brake pads too...they may be ashy..but will grab harder

 

[Edward Hayes]

Sounds like a complete flush with new brake fluid is the first thing
to do.

 

[Xavo]

I have the same thing with my Impreza 03 brakes. If you have stainless
steel brake lines installed and/or put on performance brake pads, would the
Subaru warranty be affected?
Xavo