How to Solve the Issue of Soft First Brake Pedal Press but Normal Second Press?
3 Answers
It requires two people to complete. One person needs to sit in the driver's seat and firmly press the brake pedal without releasing their foot. The person underneath the car should wait until the person pressing the brake pedal has firmly pressed it, then use a wrench to loosen the bleeder valve on the brake pump to release air.
When I drive my car, the first press of the brake pedal feels spongy, but the second press returns to normal. I've encountered this situation several times. It's usually caused by air getting into the brake fluid, as air is more compressible than liquid. The first press doesn't generate enough pump pressure, pushing the air bubbles aside, and the second press restores normal function. It could also be due to insufficient brake fluid or minor leaks in the lines, causing the fluid level to drop and allowing air to enter. I recommend doing a simple check first: open the hood and see if the brake fluid reservoir's level is above the minimum line. If it's low, top it up with the appropriate fluid, but don't use other liquids as substitutes. If the problem persists after topping up, it's best to visit a repair shop for professional bleeding, where they use tools to remove the air. Don't delay, as extended braking distance during emergency stops on highways can have serious consequences. I've made it a habit to change the brake fluid every quarter to avoid aging and air ingress. Safe driving starts with attention to detail.
I've gained some experience in DIY car repairs, having dealt with the issue where the first brake pedal press feels soft but the second one is normal. The core problem is air bubbles in the system—the first press compresses the bubble, resulting in weak braking force, while the second press pushes the bubble away, restoring normal function. Before starting, always check the brake fluid reservoir: a low level indicates a leak, while a high level suggests a pure air issue. Bleeding the brakes requires two people—one repeatedly presses the brake pedal from the driver's seat while the other opens the bleeder valve underneath until bubble-free fluid flows. However, I only recommend this for experienced individuals, as lacking tools can lead to mistakes—my own error was introducing more air into the system. After repairs, always test at low speeds to confirm restoration. Brake system failures are extremely dangerous, so after modifications, I always test-drive on empty roads first. Regularly inspect brake lines for wear—early detection saves big money.
