WAS: 05 Elantra GT Rear Disk Brakes Question

Discussion in 'Hyundai Elantra / Lantra' started by jtees4, Jul 14, 2007.

  1. jtees4

    jtees4 Guest

    Just to update and thank all those that responded and helped.
    OK, last night I changed the rear pads. I took it for a quick test
    drive. No question it is better. I would say that it is close to where
    it was when new. The pedal is still lower than I think it should be,
    but it has always been that way. I will drive it further later
    today...but so far it seems to have done the trick. (You hit it on the
    head Mike..I am happy!). And Hyundaitech thank you for your continued
    help for everyone here including me.
    Just for the record, the part I still don't get is why this should
    happen with about 50% wear on the pads. After removing them I would
    say I had 60% left on the pasenger side and maybe 45-50 on the driver
    side. Just does not seem right, but it is certainly a simple fix...and
    only $40 (could have even got brakes for $30). In he future I guess I
    will just change the fronts and rears at the same time which would be
    approx every 18-20K.
    Thanks all. I'll report back if I go through a brick wall tonight and
    change my mind about the brakes working so good. :)
    Now I bring in my 03 for the timing belt next week (not the dealer)
    and buy a new Sonata probably...and give the 03 to my son. I will miss
    that car. I truly love the 03, the 05 just never felt as "tight" a car
    in every way...just a much more solid car.
    Thanks all.
     
    jtees4, Jul 14, 2007
    #1
  2. jtees4

    hyundaitech Guest

    I cannot think of a logical explanation for why replacing the pads would
    change the pedal height. I'm not disputing your finding; I just cannot
    think of a reason why it should be so.
     
    hyundaitech, Jul 14, 2007
    #2
  3. jtees4

    jtees4 Guest

    Very strange I admit. Especially considering the fact that the pads
    really weren't all that worn. I still think it is too low, but it is
    not spongy at all anymore and at least a little higher. Weird.
     
    jtees4, Jul 14, 2007
    #3
  4. Exactly. Brake systems are supposed to be self adjusting. There should
    be NO difference in brake pedal height between new pads and pads that
    are completely worn out, and that's exactly the way every car I've owned
    has been, including my Elantra. The fact that your pedal height changes
    indicates that there is something wrong with your brake system and
    changing pads more frequently than necessary is NOT the answer.

    Considering that the self-adjustment is a function of fluid flowing from
    the reservoir into the master cylinder and ultimately into the calipers,
    I suspect that there is a blockage between the reservoir and the master
    cylinder. Perhaps pushing the rear pistons (and the extra fluid) in
    dislodged it, but since the pedal still seems low, I suspect that's not
    the case. I wouldn't trust the brake system until it's been thoroughly
    checked out and flushed from the calipers up. Your car is NOT fixed, you
    merely masked one of the symptoms of the problem.
     
    Brian Nystrom, Jul 15, 2007
    #4
  5. jtees4

    jtees4 Guest

    I agree. That is why I was mad at the dealer...I brought it in for low
    pedal (to the floor) and their only answer (in writing I might add)
    was changing the rear pads. I checked the shop manual, checked all
    troubleshooting guides...not one mentioned pads for a low pedal..not
    even on the list of possibilities. I will be complaining to the
    dealer. Having said tha, the pedal is still low, but not as low as
    before replacing the pads...but the brakes feel much better I have to
    admit. Thanks.
     
    jtees4, Jul 15, 2007
    #5
  6. If you don't get anywhere with them, let them know that you'll be
    contacting Hyundai directly and then do so. Hyundai is very responsive
    to customer complaints, but their dealers vary considerably in that regard.
    That makes sense. By installing new pads, you've pushed more fluid into
    the system, which would have the effect of pushing the brake pedal upward.

    Have you tried pulling outward on the pedal? I'm curious what would
    happen if you do so.
     
    Brian Nystrom, Jul 16, 2007
    #6
  7. jtees4

    jtees4 Guest

    I just sent a letter off to the service managaer at the dealer. I will
    give him a couple of days to respond. Next will be a letter to Hyundai
    directly. This morning my wife was on her way to work and she said
    that it got bad again...and she usually tells me something isa fine
    even when it isn't..so I'll assume it's bad. When she gets home I will
    try pulling up on the brake pedal...never tried that. I'll let you
    know.
     
    jtees4, Jul 16, 2007
    #7
  8. jtees4

    jtees4 Guest



    I faxed a letter to the dealer about 3PM. Got a call from the service
    manager around 5PM. Not bad. She wants to personally see my car, I am
    bringing it in Thursday. She was very nice and apologetic and asked
    for another chance at the low brake pedal thing. So far so good. Maybe
    something will get done after all. I'll let yo all know later in the
    week.
     
    jtees4, Jul 16, 2007
    #8
  9. jtees4

    hyundaitech Guest

    Having said tha, the pedal is still low, but not as low as
    upward.

    It's put more fluid in the reservoir, but the amount of fluid in the
    cylinder portion should be the same. I don't see the link between more
    fluid in the reservoir and a higher pedal.

    I'll agree that we have less fluid in the calipers. But it should still
    take the same amount of pedal travel to apply the same braking force.
     
    hyundaitech, Jul 17, 2007
    #9
  10. If there is a blockage between the reservoir and the master cylinder
    such that fluid cannot flow between them, the brake pedal engagement
    point will get lower as the pads wear, since no fluid can flow into the
    system to compensate for pad wear. When you replace the pads, it will
    push the pedal engagement point back up to where it was.
    The amount travel doesn't change, just the engagement point.

    OTOH, since his wife is reporting the same problem again, it sounds like
    it may be a bad master cylinder.
     
    Brian Nystrom, Jul 17, 2007
    #10
  11. jtees4

    hyundaitech Guest

    If there is a blockage between the reservoir >and the master cylinder
    I saw something like this once where the reservoir cap wasn't vented
    properly. Applying the pedal pushed the pads against the rotors, and
    releasing sucked them away (about 1/4" if I remember right). Removing the
    master cylinder cap made the problem go away. Replaced cap. No more
    problems.

    (Of course, I don't recommend driving around with your master cylinder cap
    off to test this theory. I have the distinct advantage of performing tests
    on a lift.)
     
    hyundaitech, Jul 17, 2007
    #11
  12. Now that makes sense and it would be easy for him to test.
     
    Brian Nystrom, Jul 18, 2007
    #12
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