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How do you repair a soft brake pedal on a 1990 silverado after replacing front padsrear shoes and wheel cylinders?

Answer:

The 'soft' brake pedal is likely a result of air entering the braking hydraulic system when the wheel cylinders were removed and replaced. Basically anytime a brake line is removed it is possible for air to enter the system.
You will need to 'bleed' the air out of the braking system by having some other person pump up the brakes and hold pressure on the brake pedal while another person opens the bleed valve on the back side of the wheel cylinder. When the valve is opened fluid (and hopefilly air) will escape through the bleed valve and the pedal will go to the floor. The valve must be closed while the person in the vehicle holds the pedal down. Top off the brake fluid reservoir and proceed to the next wheel and repeat the procedure for all wheels. Ultimately, the system will only contain fluid (and no air) and the pedal will be hard.

First answer by Camaro68. Last edit by Camaro68. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].

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