extra brake pedal travel on 05 Impreza Outback Sport

[Dave Botsch]

Hi, all.

A part of a previous post we never really got to discussing... when I
first got the car, brake pedal was quite tight and firm. Barely had to
press it down for the brakes to engage.

Took the car in for its first annual New York state inspection. When I
picked it up, then, I immediately noticed that I had to press the pedal
down further for the brakes to engage (still firm when they do engage). It
feels a lot further, but prolly is not that much further. Still, enough
for me to notice immediately.

The dealer, so far, has claimed there is no excessive travel on the pedal
and that they don't see anything out of the ordinary. They did give me
some noise about if I press the brake pedal a couple of times it will
"pump the brakes up" or something to that effect. And, it does somewhat,
though, they do return to where they were (and I have felt the brakes
sometimes sink back down to where they are).

They've been at that same lower spot for the past few years, ever since
that one service.

So, what did the dealer do to my brakes during that first inspection?

Thanks!

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Hi, all.

A part of a previous post we never really got to discussing... when I
first got the car, brake pedal was quite tight and firm. Barely had to
press it down for the brakes to engage.

Took the car in for its first annual New York state inspection. When I
picked it up, then, I immediately noticed that I had to press the pedal
down further for the brakes to engage (still firm when they do engage). It
feels a lot further, but prolly is not that much further. Still, enough
for me to notice immediately.

The dealer, so far, has claimed there is no excessive travel on the pedal
and that they don't see anything out of the ordinary. They did give me
some noise about if I press the brake pedal a couple of times it will
"pump the brakes up" or something to that effect. And, it does somewhat,
though, they do return to where they were (and I have felt the brakes
sometimes sink back down to where they are).

They've been at that same lower spot for the past few years, ever since
that one service.

So, what did the dealer do to my brakes during that first inspection?

Thanks!

Most likely there is air in the system and the brakse need 'bleeding'.
If insisting they fix it doesn't get their attention, you'll have to go
elsewhere I suppose. One trick I've used when I get the "they all do
that" answer is to reply. "Give me the keys to THAT one so I can see for
myself" (or "then they are all broken and start the repairs with my car").
You could also tell them it's a safety issue and you want a signed
inspection sheet saying the brakes do not need bleeding. They might just
decide to re-inspect their work. They may never admit to it being worng
- but you might get the car back in working condition.

just some thoughts

Carl