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Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:08 am

i got a new master cylinder and new front brakes ,the master cylinder was put in by a professional and i put in the front brakes. when i stop the brakes go all the way to the floor and i have to pump it so it stops. :?

Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:21 am

Did you adjust the brakes? If yes you have air in the system still and it will need to be bled.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:14 am

Adjust the brakes, adjust them well, go in and pump up the pedal, and then adjust them again. When you can push the pedal and have it stop in the first 1/3 of it's travel or less, and not have the brakes take, or need additional adjustment you are done till next week, or month when they will require these periodic adjustments again.

As your new shoes wear in, or you become better adjusted with the particular cars brake adjustment needs, this regular required service will be required less often.

Adjust the brakes and adjust them well.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:04 am

Bleed, bleed and bleed again. But like the previous poster mentioned you need to start with the brakes adjusted correctly before you start the processof bleeding. There is also an adjustment on our late model VWs at the pedal too... I've looked at several that have had new master cylinders replaced and found that the rod that pressed on the piston in the MC needed to be lengthened. There's a lock nut and the shaft is threaded. You want about 1" of travel before you contact the piston.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:10 am

One place air likes to get trapped is close to brake light switches. I bled mine three times to no avail. Until I unscrewed both brake switches and let them drain a little. Bam! firm brakes.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:00 pm

Bleed first. Air is your issue. Fluid is traveling from high reservoir to a low master cylinder to a mid-height brake cylinder. If you have a pressure bleeder, use it. If not the old two-man job works well. If your by yourself buy a brake bleeder kit.
The job is not hard, just take the time to do it right...

Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:02 pm

Thanks guys

Max T. wrote: Bleed first. Air is your issue. Fluid is traveling from high reservoir to a low master cylinder to a mid-height brake cylinder. If you have a pressure bleeder, use it. If not the old two-man job works well. If your by yourself buy a brake bleeder kit.
The job is not hard, just take the time to do it right...