I had no brake pressure in the car after a winter of sitting. I noticed the (stock) rubber lines were all cracked so I replaced them with steel braided lines, bled the system, and all is good... I think.

Is it normal to have about 1/2 a petal on these cars? The petal is firm 1/2 way in (like it was before winter), and the car does stop. The master cylinder looks to be stock, but the brake booster almost looks like has been replaced somewhere along the line and, the pads and rotors were replaced just before winter.

Not too worried about it, just curious I guess...

 

Pedal should be firm when first stepped on (when the motor is running). Did you bleed the master along w/ all 4 corners?

 

Hmmm, I'll have to bleed them again this week or weekend and see if it gets better...

Yes I did the master and all 4 corners (in that order).

I was using one of those hand held vacuum pump bleeders, and either the hose wasn't sealed or something is up with the master because I kept getting air. Or maybe I suck at bleeding brakes. (probably the case...)

 

It's a lot easier to bleed brakes if you have a second person. 3-4 pumps of the pedal, hold down, open bleeder 3/4 way, close, repeat. Always make sure the master reservoir has enough fluid in it... pumping it dry brings air back into the lines.

 

I hate bleeding brakes, I work on cars for a living and have used all the vacuum based and pressurized equipment. Listen to Nismo Pick and do it the way he says. Also, don't pump the pedal fast or hard, that just breaks the air bubbles up and makes them harder to remove. How the hell do the manufacturers bleed the brakes?