Hi. My 2002 has long pedal travel and a soft feel in spite of new pads/master cylinder. This is compounded by an 800 RPM idle speed that the dealer says is "in the computer" and cannot be lowered. Any solutions to lowering the idle speed, shortening the pedal travel, firming up the brakes? Thanks. Greg Polito

 

The idle speed is specified in the service manual as 750 rpm ± 50 rpm, so 800 rpm is not abnormal. You might have some air bubbles in the lines following a master cylinder swap, I would ensure that the brakes have been bled thoroughly and see if that helps. However, the problem might be with another component of the braking system, perhaps in the ABS modulator, as there isn't much else that would produce such symptoms.

 

+1 on bleeding the brakes, re flushing the whole system with new fluid.

Had it done about 2 months ago, and the breaks felt %300 after the flush.

 

If you DIY bleed, start at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder (passenger rear), then work your way to the next closest wheel (driver's rear), etc. Use Dot 4 rated fluid with the higher boiling point. High idle could be a symptom of throttle body and mass air flow sensor cleaning needed as well. Brake bleeding machine does a better job of flushing brake lines than the manual old-fashioned method IMO.

 

I think the machine does a far off better job when flushing. I tried both. And ended up having Les Schwab flushing it with their system.

Honestly, the car's braking ability felt like new. Keeping in mind that I changed pads and had front rotors re-finished. Still braking smooth as silk.