Brake Pedal Travel Question on our corolla

[Corolla02]

Hey guys,

For the past couple year's the corolla in our family has been great in every department except for the brakes. The brake pedals require slight travel before the car starts braking. I know you should feel the brakes immediately with a slight tap on the pedal but ours require some travel before that happens. We had a mechanic checked it out today and he said the brake pads and rotors are all very good. He also tested the brakes and said it also has some travel in the pedals. The only answer he can give us is "thats just how the car is" and i highly doubt thats the case.

Wondering if you guys have any advice as to what to do? Top off brake fluid or have it flushed? Some say brake travel has nothing to do with the pads and rotors so i am aware of that.

- Thanks!

btw, just got the car back from the body shop and its in perfect shape!

[Bitter]

it could be that the rear drums are a little out of adjustment, there's also an adjustment on the master cylinder rod, or a small bit of air in the system can cause a low pedal also.

[mr1114]

How much does the parking brake lever travel? If its a lot, then the rear brakes need adjustment, and this will also affect the travel of the brake pedal. The parking brake on my car requires about two "clicks" to become fully engaged.

[Corolla02]

Thanks for the input guys.

Im thinking of getting the brake lines checked and maybe bleed the brakes. Does anyone know how much i should be looking to pay for that?

I checked the fluid levels today and its right in the middle of Max and Min. Should i top it off?

- Thanks