What can cause soft brakes ruling out master cylinder 2003 Honda odessey?

What can cause soft brakes ruling out master cylinder 2003 Honda odessey?
Generally speaking, soft or spongy brakes can be caused by -


Wheel bearings that are out of adjustment

Brake shoes that are out of adjustment

Brand new brake linings that haven't 'bedded-in' yet

Air in the braking system



Other causes can be -


Brake components not secured properly

Worn or damaged self adjusting mechanisms

Wrong brake components fitted

Wet or damp brake linings

Seized or partially seized brake components - wheel cylinders or caliper pistons

Expanding brake hoses

Brake system component seals leaking or not holding pressure


and lastly.................


Contaminated brake fluid or the wrong type of brake fluid

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Okay, that's quite a list, so lets get down to it........

Chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Release the parking or hand brake.
Clamp off all the flexible brake hoses and test the pedal pressure.

If the pedal pressure is poor the problem lies with the master cylinder.


If the pressure is good then release one of the clamps you placed on the brake pipes and check the pedal pressure again.

Carry on until you release a clamp and the pedal pressure becomes poor - this will indicate the area on the vehicle where the problem lies.

Refer to the list above to guide you to finding the solution to your problem.