Vehicle: 2021 Nissan Rogue, 4WD, L4-2.5L (PR25DD), CVT Transmission/Transaxle

Mileage: 82,098 Miles

Problem: The shop replaced all four rotors and pads on this Nissan Rogue and then had excessive brake pedal travel. The brakes would pump up, but as soon as the technician let off on the pedal and pushed down again, the pedal almost went to the floor.

Case Details: The shop’s scan tool was being reformatted and, therefore, unavailable,  so the rear calipers were retracted manually. The technician cleaned and greased everything, making sure the system was not opened to the air. After the scan tool was available, the technician went through the brake pad replacement procedure to reset everything.

Although the system was not opened to the atmosphere, a small amount of air somehow got in.

Confirmed Repair: The technician bled the entire brake system and test-drove the vehicle. The brakes worked as they should.

Editor’s Note: Rarely, air can become trapped in a brake caliper, particularly around the piston seal, and remain dormant without causing noticeable issues until a brake job is done. 

When new pads are installed, the caliper piston is compressed back, potentially forcing that trapped air up into the brake lines, leading to a spongy or sinking pedal. Lesson learned. Easy fix!