Brake Question

[Alumni]

My 1989 240SX with 300K has new brakes (pads and rotors) all around. The brakes still feel mushy. When I turn the car off and pump the brake the pressure seems to pedal "stiffen up" like it should. Could this be the master brake cylinder? Thanks in advance for your help.

[yellow_jacket]

The reason the pedal feels so much harder with the car off is because you no longer have vacuum assist helping you push the pedal down.

If you don't like how far the pedal goes to the floor bleed the brakes. If that doesn't satisfy you then sure, change the master cylinder. One other thing you will need to look out for is worn out brake lines.