Having some pretty serious brake issues

[mbogosia]

My 95 525IA's brakes have felt funny for a while. I decided that the pads and rotors must be glazed or worn. I replaced them all. Problem still existed. I had the fluid replaced and bled and I still have the problem.

When you hit the brakes they feel much softer than they should and the car tends to move when I have to apply them hard. When I say move it dives left a little. They also make a weird noise. Not a grinding, but a weird noise I can't explain. They feel very weak and I feel if I come to a time where I need to stop quick I won't make it. So, where should I start? I can't afford to go to a shop and have them randomly replace parts until they work.

[632 Regal]

search "brake bedding"

[Torque]

It's funny you mention that, because I had it for a while too, but replacing the front rotors helped solve the problem.

I honestly have no idea what the problem could be.

edit: Bleeding didn't help in my case either.

[Kalevera]

Mbo, sit in the car, ignition off, pump up the brake pedal (four or five presses should do it), hold the pedal down on the last pump and turn on the ignition/start the car. It should fall a few millimeters as the engine starts. If it goes to the floor, check the master cylinder. Also check the brake booster and vacuum hose for air leaks.

best, whit

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

The pulling to one side, would suggest that the ABS may not be working properly, or a caliper is gummed up.

Check all the wheel sensors to make sure they are connected.

When was the last time to calipers were changed or rebuilt?

[mbogosia]

Whit,

Thats the advice I'm looking for. Regal I know it is not bedding in the brakes b/c it did the same thing with the old pads and rotors. I replaced them hoping it would fix the problem but it didn't.

[mbogosia]

calipers are the originals, but I cleaned them up real good when I did the brakes and they seemed fine. Which sensors? The pad sensors would have nothing to do with it right?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

It's a little magnetic pick up pluse generator located on the axle.

Look for a toothed wheel on the axle and there should be a pick up mounted near it.

[mbogosia]

Ahh! Good stuff. I'll have to wait until this weekend to get to it though. Thanks

[mbogosia]

Whit, just did your test and it only fell a few milimeters like it should.