Spongy brake/vibration

[Blizzard96]

Hey guys, on my 1996 Camaro, I've noticed when I brake that it will "grab and release" which from what I've read, sounds like the rotors are warped and need to be turned/replaced. Also, I've noticed that my stopping power isn't as good as it should and the brake pedal feels spongy.

Once I get my tax refund, I plan on taking my car in to get the brakes looked at. I'm expecting rotor work but would the rotors have anything to do with the pedal pressure? I don't have any noises and the guy who rotated my tires said my pads are still in good shape.

Thanks guys!

[Dominic]

If the pads are very old they could be slightly glazed over from minimal usage, which would make them hard as a rock and so they won't stop really well.

If I wanted to solve the brake problems entirely I would have all 4 rotors turned a minimal amount, I would sand the pads with some sandpaper to deglaze them if there is plenty of pad left, and I would bleed the entire brake system.

Bleeding the brakes is the most time consuming process and will require a good amount of fluid and a knowledgeable helper. I like to bleed mine every 2 years if I can, or everytime I change all my pads... New brake fluid really outperforms old stuff.

Since its so old you can bleed the fluid until its clear, thats how you'll know you got all the old fluid out [img]smile.gif[/img] I will assume you know how to do this for now. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[MrCoffee]

Dominic how much brake fluid is needed? I am going to replace my rotors and pads, might as well do the fluid as well, right? actually, can you go over the process real quick too?

[Blizzard96]

The brake fluid in the reservoir looks dark...not like used oil but not clear like the new stuff.

I guess the pedal doesn't feel spongy...it just goes down more and I don't have the stopping power.

Oh yeah...96 w/no Y87...two drum, two disc. :(

[raxxus]

Dominic, great response! Looks like I have a weekend project since my freaking brakes are ALWAYS giving me a problem!