Ok, so i performed a gravity bleed method of the brakes about 2 months ago. And i have noticed that the brake pedal feels very stiff. When i first get into the car, the pedal feels as if the brakes have been pumped 2-3 times prior to starting the car. When you finally start the car, it softens up slightly but still stiff. I didnt see any leaks, and reservoir remained full during bleed and is currently at Max. The brakes seem to work fine, other than slight squealing when lightly stopping. My understanding is Air in the system would feel squishy. Anyone have this issue? i searched and found that some brake boosters have gone bad if the pedal doesnt soften when the car starts, but mine seems to soften up slightly. Help me figure this one out...

Car has 20k miles on it and seems to have original everything.

 

If the brake booster has gone bad, it will require significantly more effort to stop your car. If it does not require additional force, congratulations, you bled your brakes properly.

 

No additional force to stop. So this stiff pedal feel is correct?

 

Everyone's looking for a stiffer pedal, you got one and are worried about it hugh ?. Enjoy it

 

As already mentioned, if you can still stop with no extra force but the pedal is stiff, you have a properly bled system.

If it's jello, then there's a problem.

 

Thanks guys! i guess when they say it feels welded to the car, this is what they mean. The squealing is annoying. I guess it might be time for pads. but it looks like there is some life left.

 

What order did you bleed the brakes in?
How long did it take approximately per corner? Were some corners much longer than others?

I want a stiff pedal like that!

 

i did RF, LF, RR, LR and about 10-12 mins each. had to close bleeder and pump brakes a couple times as the gravity bleed would stop. I also, made sure to keep reservoir FULL the entire process. I think i had original brake fluid in the 2007 GPW because the old man didn't even know what VTEC felt like when i took him for a test drive lol

 

I don't use the gravity bleed method, but when I bleed brakes, I have to be careful not to pump the pedal too fast otherwise air won't escape. Regardless of method, the pedal feel should be nice and stiff, not mushy like a 1994 Toyota Tercel.

 

MY07's had a brakebooster recall
saw your sig & saw you have a 07.


http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/ar...spx?id=7241-en

tl;dr:

http://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls
enter your vin see if you're part of recall list or not