[lancekilgore12]

Hello all, I have a 09 smart, where the brake pedal goes down about 4 inches before catching and stopping the car. Does not feel spongy. Any thoughts on the problem. I don't recall seeing this before

 

[sokoloff]

When was the last time the brake fluid was flushed? Bad brake hose(s)? Fluid level okay? If not find out where it's going.

Good luck.

Len

 

[vadsoom]

Sounds like brake bleeding may be needed. You may also have long pedal travel if all of the pads and shoes are about worn out. Definitely worth having a look.

 

[lancekilgore12]

the brakes are fine , maybe a bleeding should be done. the car only has 30,000 miles on it. hummm

 

[vadsoom]

No brake fluid anywhere? Many of the brake likes and the ABS pump are hidden under the belly pan. It’s unusual to have air introduced to the brake lines without seeing some kind of leak.

That being said, the master cylinder might also be going, though I would be shocked if that were the case with only 30K miles.

 

[toaster]

Hello all, I have a 09 smart, where the brake pedal goes down about 4 inches before catching and stopping the car. Does not feel spongy. Any thoughts on the problem. I don't recall seeing this before

The 451 uses rear drum brakes. If these should get out of adjustment it can cause the symptoms you are describing. They are supposed to self-adjust when one applies the brakes while backing up. Some peoples driving routine may not involve backing up, or possibly the self-adjusting mechanism has seized up.

Try driving back and forth a number of times making sure to apply the brakes firmly in the reverse direction and see if that results in the pedal coming back up to its normal height. If not, then I'd pull the rear drums to check the adjuster mechanism.

Since you state the brakes are firm, not spongy, I don't think you have air in the system as some are implying.

~toaster

 

[breston]

Most probably there's air in the system, so bleeding the brakes should solve the problem.

 

[vadsoom]

Just thought of something - if I recall properly, bleeding the brakes successfully requires cycling the ABS pump. I think a MB Star machine is needed to do this.

 

[sokoloff]

I don't believe that's true re: the abs pump. I've been bleeding my brakes for a couple of years with no issues and no ABS pump recycling. I do use a one man pressure bleeder, but I don't think that makes a difference.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 20,000 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 18,500 miles

 

[vadsoom]

Sokoloff, I had some issues after replacing my ABS pump and ends up having to take my ‘08 to the dealer to get the air out of the lines. YMMV....

 

[sokoloff]

Maybe with an ABS pump issue, it may be necessary to have a dealer clear out any air and maybe the thread starter has an ABS issue, but for routine brake service, bleeding, etc. I don't think there is any need for a STAR machine to be involved. I certainly had no need for one. Would be nice to get the official word on this.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 20,000 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 18,500 miles

 

[thecoinbox]

Just replaced the front pads/rotors at 33k. Noticed the brake pedal travel is more than before. Brakes work fine but I don't like all that pedal travel. Brake fluid is at the top mark.

I tried working and handbrake and service brake then backing the car up and down the driveway. At some point, the pedal travel was almost gone. But after sitting for a few minutes, the long travel returned.

 

[Jo e Lefors]

I will be replacing the front pads soon.
Pedal travel will be something I'll be watching for.
Keep us updated
Good Luck

 

[smark]

Just replaced the front pads/rotors at 33k. Noticed the brake pedal travel is more than before. Brakes work fine but I don't like all that pedal travel. Brake fluid is at the top mark.

I tried working and handbrake and service brake then backing the car up and down the driveway. At some point, the pedal travel was almost gone. But after sitting for a few minutes, the long travel returned.

Just replaced the front pads/rotors at 33k. Noticed the brake pedal travel is more than before. Brakes work fine but I don't like all that pedal travel. Brake fluid is at the top mark.

I tried working and handbrake and service brake then backing the car up and down the driveway. At some point, the pedal travel was almost gone. But after sitting for a few minutes, the long travel returned.

Have you changed your brake fluid? Bleed the brakes. moisture in your system.

 

[vadsoom]

Have you changed your brake fluid? Bleed the brakes. moisture in your system.

I’ll second that. Could be air in the brake system.