Hello
I have a 2008 Honda Odyssey with 188K miles on it, and the brakes are a bit soft. I don't know if it won't stop short in an emergency because I've been driving very carefully because of this. My mechanic looked at the car recently and found no leaks or corrosion, just that the rear brake pads will need to be replaced relatively soon, but are still good. I don't do much driving, but I've had to add fluid in the past. (I've had the car for about two years.) The brake pedal doesn't feel firm when you step on it, I've had other people try it and they say the same, if it weren't the brakes I wouldn't be so concerned but they're fairly important and it makes me nervous to drive my own car. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Kevin
but I've had to add fluid in the past.
You may have leak(s) in the brake system and it causes air getting inside. Fix the leak(s) and then bleed the brakes.
As yaser advised, it is likely due to air in the hydraulic braking system. Or possibly as the following post suggests, a problem with the ABS system(#1 and #7). I am a bit puzzled that your mechanic did not address these. Perhaps you would be best served taking your Odyssey to a shop that specializes in brake repair.
https://www.wagnerbrake.com/technical/technical-tips/why-are-my-brakes-spongy.html
Is it possible to purge air in the brake lines by pumping the brakes with the fluid cap off?
Purging air out of the brake lines requires loosening the bleeder screws at the wheels. You use a pressure bleeder, suction bleeder, or the old school method of having someone open and tighten the bleeders as you press on and release the brake pedal. You may also need to use a bidirectional scan tool to bleed the ABS system.
Thanks! Those both sound like good points. I haven't had a chance to go and look at the fluid reservoir yet to see if the brake fluid looks like it's been changed or not, but I will. I'll call around to brake shops too, and see how much they charge for a bench fee, in case they don't find anything.
Is it possible to purge air in the brake lines by pumping the brakes with the fluid cap off? I think I remember doing that ages ago on an older vehicle, but I don't remember the circumstances, or what happened.