wheresthepandas

Hi Everyone. I just picked up a couple weeks ago a 2012 TSX Wagon. I didn't notice at first but the brake pedal seems to be unusually long. It takes about 1/3 of the pedal distance to start feeling any brake force. It is also inconsistent in that sometimes the bite happens higher and lower but the inconsistency is not constant if that makes any sense. Also if the car has been sitting overnight sometimes when I start the car the brake pedal stays firm like there is no power brakes for around 15 seconds. That only happens every couple days though.

I did a full bleed on the brakes to remove any air. brake pads front and back are in good condition.

I did some research and it seems like its going to be either the master brake cylinder, brake booster, brake booster vacuum line and check valve or the abs module. In hopes that maybe someone with more technical knowledge might be able to diagnose which one it would be I have come to you guys to ask. If you have any idea or have had this problem before let me know. It also just might be how the brake pedal is on this car and I dont know better since I am coming from a 2016 Miata with pretty firm and sensitive brakes.

TSX1012m6

I'm not too familiar with the brake system beyond the calipers. When you bled the lines and checked the pads how did the calipers and slide pins look? How full of a bleed did you do? Full system flush or just crack the bleeder screw and a few ml of fluid?

wheresthepandas

Everything on the calipers looked good and moved good. I did a full flush to replace all the old fluid with new fluid. I used a motive bleeder for the first flush. After the pedal was sill soft I did a manual bleed to try and get rid of any possible air. I am 99.9% positive there is not any air in the lines.

jzhu625

iTrader: (2)

how did you flush the system? with a pump or 1 person pump brake and 1 person adjust the nut?

wheresthepandas

Both ways. First with a pressure bleeder. then the old style with someone pumping and someone opening and closing the bleeder screw.

Jason46

Was the car running when you bleed the brakes?
I think there is air in the system. My other thought is the master cylinder is leaking internally. Bleed the brakes with the engine running if you didn't.

dolsey01

Compared to my wifes RDX, my TSX wagon has pretty soft brakes. The last brake job was done by the dealer as I bought it as a CPO and it was on their list of services done. I don't remember of our 2009 TSX was the same or not but I've just adjusted to it.

wheresthepandas

So I was able to solve the problem. It turns out i most likely had a small internal leak in the master cylinder. I changed it and the brakes are much more consistent. I did the emergency braking and bleeding after the install and the pedal is still on the soft side which i figure is just how the brakes are on this car. I really prefer a stiffer pedal so I was thinking of changing the brake lines with braided steel lines. does anyone have any experience with how much the braided steel lines change pedal feel?