Hello, I have a 1997 Corolla DX (1.8 liters). I got new brake pads installed yesterday and there is only a marginal improvement in braking. The brake pedal still gets depressed more than it would with new brakes on. While driving back from the mechanic (NOT a large store like Pep Boys, just a regular cheap shop in south Los Angeles) I assumed there wasn't enough heat/friction building up in the brakes yet so I let it go. But I drove to work and back today (almost 50 miles) and I was as apprehensive as I was before I got the brakes fixed. The car does not stop on a coin like new brakes should help it to, and there's no chance of going back to the mechanic for a refund. I did not get brake fluid too, and I don't know if that will fix my problem. A visual inspection after the job was done looked like the pads were indeed new. Has anyone else had the same problem ever? Is there a fix that I can implement with my rudimentary toolbox? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Bhargava
97 corolla new brakes problem
Mar 28, 2006
1 Replies
If the brake pedal is very low to the floor, then it may need brake fluid or if you have rear drum brakes, it may need the rear brakes adjusted. Mis-adjusted rear brakes can also cause longer stopping distances. Another possible cause of poor stopping ability is a stuck caliper slide bolt. All of these items should have been checked by a competent technician.
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