Expert: Sean Halliday - 1/3/2008

Question
Sean, I just changed the rear brake pads on my 03 Jetta. They were almost completely gone. When I went to rotate the cylinders back in they turned but there was no inward movement. I then rotated the cylinder a couple of turns counterclockwise and they came out. Then I turned them clockwise again and they retreated all the way in. I installed the new pads and reassembled everything.
Problem is , during my test drive. the pedal went to the floor especially if i applied it gently. The car stopped ok but there was way too much pedal travel. I tried pumping the brakes dozens of times . Tried it while moving foreward, while moving backward and with the parking brake. Is there some way of adjusting or did i completely miss something else? Do I need to bleed? (doesn't feel like air. Help.

Answer
You have air in the system.When you removed the piston you allowed the air in so you must bleed all the wheels.Start with farthest away from the master and then rear right,passenger then drivers side.No big job as you can get a one man bleed tool anywhere these days.Use the recommended fluid.