another brake question

[swidd]

They said they would replace brake fluid, and the receipt says 'drained and replaced brake fluid DOT-3'. As they are acutely aware of my complaint with the brakes, I would assume they did it the proper way (they are a very reputable and honorable shop). It cost $150 for cleaning and adjusting rear drums and brake fluid flush + tire rotation.

[RedRide]

Originally Posted by swidd

They said they would replace brake fluid, and the receipt says 'drained and replaced brake fluid DOT-3'. As they are acutely aware of my complaint with the brakes, I would assume they did it the proper way (they are a very reputable and honorable shop). It cost $150 for cleaning and adjusting rear drums and brake fluid flush.

Yeah...... "Brake cleaning" is a "catch all" term the really means they are going to charge you for doing basically nothing.
Fact is, the brakes are not sealed and its completley natural for them to be dirty for the most part.
All the shop probablly did was blow it out with an air hose.

Consider this: They never tell you the front brakes need cleaning. This is because you can see them.
However, you can't see the rear drums so, they BS the customer into thinking they need cleaning.

It is stiil possible the shop left an air bubble in the line somewhere no matter how good the shop is. It can happen to the best.

[swidd]

Originally Posted by RedRide

It is stiil possible the shop left an air bubble in the line somewhere no matter how good the shop is. It can happen to the best.

Well the brakes are a little better now than before the $150. I wouldn't know how to replace brake fluid anyway, and at 3 years/68,000 miles, why not. Money well spent anyway (its payday, and I spent it on my favorite thing to spend money on: the yaris!! :)

I still think it would be better to replace the brake pads though. What else would cause the pedal to have long travel (2-2.5") before giving some real stopping power?

[Lucas13]

Originally Posted by swidd

Well the brakes are a little better now than before the $150. I wouldn't know how to replace brake fluid anyway, and at 3 years/68,000 miles, why not. Money well spent anyway (its payday, and I spent it on my favorite thing to spend money on: the yaris!! :)

I still think it would be better to replace the brake pads though. What else would cause the pedal to have long travel (2-2.5") before giving some real stopping power?

The other cause will be a master cylinder that is not holding enough pressure but in a car with only three years it’s almost impossible, air in the system is the main cause for a mushy brake feel. Some mechanics use one men bleeding tool and if the guy is not careful enough air can go in very easy just in one second, just one little bubble can become hundred little bubbles and make the brakes ineffective.
The other thing you should try is pulling normal the e-brake and count how many clicks it’s doing until stops, normally is two clicks when just adjusted, if it does more than three it needs more adjustment, the other way to check the rear brake is by removing the wheel and making sure that the drum doesn’t spin like crazy when you turn it, it should do about ½ turn when just adjusted.

[ddongbap]

Originally Posted by RedRide

Yeah...... "Brake cleaning" is a "catch all" term the really means they are going to charge you for doing basically nothing.
Fact is, the brakes are not sealed and its completley natural for them to be dirty for the most part.
All the shop probablly did was blow it out with an air hose.

Consider this: They never tell you the front brakes need cleaning. This is because you can see them.
However, you can't see the rear drums so, they BS the customer into thinking they need cleaning.

It is stiil possible the shop left an air bubble in the line somewhere no matter how good the shop is. It can happen to the best.

The rears are enclosed.