What Causes Soft Brakes After Changing Brake Fluid?
3 Answers
The main reason for soft brakes after changing brake fluid is: errors during the replacement process, which introduce air into the brake lines, requiring timely bleeding. The method for bleeding the brakes: 1. Two people are needed to cooperate to avoid mistakes. 2. First, one person presses the brake pedal 4-5 times, while the other loosens the bleeder screw on the brake caliper. 3. If there is indeed air in the brake line, some brake fluid and gas will be expelled. 4. Repeat the above steps until only brake fluid is expelled, indicating all air has been removed, then tighten the bleeder screw. 5. This will significantly improve the soft brake issue.
I've encountered a similar situation at the repair shop. Soft brakes after changing brake fluid are usually caused by air entering the braking system. The fluid replacement process must carefully bleed the system - if not done thoroughly, air bubbles trapped in the lines will make the brakes feel spongy. Another common reason is contamination or moisture mixing in during fluid replacement, reducing hydraulic pressure. Incompatibility between new and old fluid can also cause issues. Also check for loose bolts or fittings causing leaks that introduce air. Sometimes fluid changes reveal hidden problems like aging master cylinders failing to transmit pressure properly. In summary, soft brakes directly impact safety - never ignore this issue. Return immediately to the shop for re-bleeding and complete system inspection.
My own car had the same issue before. After changing the brake fluid, the brakes felt weak and almost caused an accident. I later found out that improper bleeding was the key problem—air trapped in the lines reduced braking power. The quality of the brake fluid also matters; using low-grade fluid or mixing in impurities can degrade braking performance. Loose connections in the lines can lead to leaks and air ingress. I also learned that if the tools used during the fluid change aren’t clean, moisture can be introduced, corroding components and making the brakes spongy. I recommend owners choose reputable shops for fluid changes and insist that technicians thoroughly bleed and test the system. Remember, this issue can be serious—weak brakes delay response in emergencies. Safety comes first, so address it promptly for peace of mind.