Hi all,

I have (what I would assume) is a long brake pedal. It has always been the case since I brought the car second hand, however, I'm having to push the pedal to the floor before I get any braking.

Is this normal? If not, how can I resolve it?

I have recently serviced the car, replaced brake pads, discs and brake fitting kit and drained/refilled brake fluid, but it hasn't shortened the pedal push.

Car: Lexus LS400 '96

[quote name='Seb Harvey' post='627516' date='Jan 21 2009, 01:40 PM']Hi all,

I have (what I would assume) is a long brake pedal. It has always been the case since I brought the car second hand, however, I'm having to push the pedal to the floor before I get any braking.

Is this normal? If not, how can I resolve it?

I have recently serviced the car, replaced brake pads, discs and brake fitting kit and drained/refilled brake fluid, but it hasn't shortened the pedal push.

Car: Lexus LS400 '96[/quote]

Hi I belive it is probably your brake servo unit ,if you are standing in front of the car it is to the left near the air filter down by the chassis rail it has several brake pipes attatched to it. dont dream of buying a new one they are more than the cost of the car, you should get an used one cheap as its not a common part to fail.

Hi,
You need to determine what is causing the problem so the 1st thing is does the brake pedal come up more if you pump it?
To check the brake servo operation pump the brake pedal with the engine off until it is a hard feel keep your foot on the pedal then start the engine you should feel the pedal drop a little if the servo is working.
I am not sure about the Lexus but I know on some cars you can adjust the servo pushrod I will look into this for you.

Hi,

The pedal firms up when the engine is off and then depresses when the engine is started. I can pump this up and works okay for the first few brakes, but then goes long again. I'm also not getting any leaks from the car (just fixed a massive Power Steering leak on the high-pressure pipe, and I know the car isn't leaking anywhere else!)

Just this weekend replaced discs (old ones warped) and pads and is still long.

Just to rule out anything else, I'm getting my fuild changed this afternoon.

[quote name='Seb Harvey' post='627516' date='Jan 21 2009, 02:40 PM']and drained/refilled brake fluid, but it hasn't shortened the pedal push.[/quote]


[quote name='Seb Harvey' post='667836' date='May 21 2009, 11:33 AM']Just to rule out anything else, I'm getting my fuild changed this afternoon.[/quote]

For the second time?

When you say drained, you mean you let the whole lot run out before topping up? Did the brakes bleed correctly? Sounds like you have some big air bubbles in the system.

[quote name='TigerFish' post='667847' date='May 21 2009, 12:02 PM'][quote name='Seb Harvey' post='627516' date='Jan 21 2009, 02:40 PM']and drained/refilled brake fluid, but it hasn't shortened the pedal push.[/quote]


[quote name='Seb Harvey' post='667836' date='May 21 2009, 11:33 AM']Just to rule out anything else, I'm getting my fuild changed this afternoon.[/quote]

For the second time?

When you say drained, you mean you let the whole lot run out before topping up? Did the brakes bleed correctly? Sounds like you have some big air bubbles in the system.
[/quote]

Agreed either the above or a faulty master cylinder and or servo unit but if pumping the brakes improves the pedal travel it is normally air in the system however faulty master cylinder seals can allow air into the system.
BTW does the fluid level in the reservoir go down indicating a loss of fluid?