Brake Fluid Flush -- brake paddle really firm when flushing (too firm?)

[icqboy51]

2003 V6

first time flush in 6 years. before flush has soft brake pedal (feel like the pedal can go down about 2-3.5 inches before hitting bottom).

i am doing a brake fluid flush. and read instructions on the DIY on here.

this is what i did so far:

sucked out old fluid from reservoir, refilled with new ones.

then to rear passenger side wheel, loosen nipple hooked up to a tube and my helper stepped on the brake pedal, and some old fluid came out.

then go back to top off reservoir.

[PROBLEM..?]

back to loosening nipple, then when he stepped on the brake pedal that is when he noticed the brake paddle is really firm.

like at most the brake pedal can go down is about 0.5 to 1 inch (then the pedal feels like its at the bottom).

is this normal?? could air have went into the system through the nipple? but i would tighten the nipple every time my helper released the pedal. (only loosen nipple when he step on paddle).

or how would i know if air went into the system? would the car make screaming sounds after starting the car?

thanks. sorry my 1st time doing this.

[gdanaher]

This isn't an air issue. With air the peddle will be spongey. Sounds like you didn't actually open the valve at the wheel. Open a quarter turn for sure with the hose attached to a clear bottle and try again.

[njerald]

Paddle??? Paddles?? Peddle?????

Good god..............

[Mike Gerber]

This sounds normal. With the engine off it takes about 1 to 1-1/2 pumps of the brake pedal for the brake system to use up the vacuum created by the brake booster; then the pedal becomes hard. Your helper should still be able to push the pedal to the floor with some effort. If not, then there is a problem.

Mike

[touringcamry]

^+1

Sounds like your helper needs to hit the gym and do some squats and leg press (or try driving a car without power brakes). This is what happens when you use up the power brake assistance as Mike mentioned. If you move the car around with the engine off, e.g. if you engine dies while driving or if you have to push it because it won't start, you will encounter the same situation after a few use of the brakes.

If you just want to recreate the situation without opening anything, try this: Stop your car and shut off the engine; perhaps leave it in ACC. Now depress the brake and release a few times and the brake peddle will become hard to depress. If you keep pushing, you will be able to depress the brake peddle to the floor. You can try this on a gentle slop with the car in N and parking brake disengaged BUT ensure you car is not in LOCK otherwise you cannot steer. Note that your steering effort will also be increase due to no power assist. It will become much easier once you start rolling though.

[icqboy51]

haha my bad with the spelling.

yea had to step down the pedal with some force to 'floor it'.

everything seems fine now.

i went through 6x 355 ml bottles!!

thanks guys.

[touringcamry]

Wow, I did a complete flush with 1L. I haven't done a car with ABS though and I wonder if that's the reason you used so much.