I was wondering if anyone has any ideas why I may have increased brake travel after bleeding (following caliper overhaul). I have taken the Escort for a run afterwards, and it brakes fine, if only the pedal feels a bit soft -- but maybe it's just me used to driving it with sticky brakes for several months! Now here is another strange thing: when bleeding the system, my assistant pressed the pedal repeatedly, then held the pedal (with engine off, of course) -- and the pedal would not always get firm, as it should according to the Haynes manual. Also I could not get rid completely of the bubbles, which suggests air in the system, but I have done a lot of bleeding, about 0.7l of brake fluid! At the moment, the car being on its wheels, the pedal does get quite firm when depressed with engine off (as it should), then softens when I switch it on (as it should), but there is this feeling that it is still too soft when braking. Anyone has any ideas or perhaps has had something similar in the past? Many thanks!

You've said you could not completely get rid of  the air bubbles,you do need to, otherwise the pedal will never feel firm.Be patient and try again.Just a thought,are you opening any of the bleed nipples excessively and possibly sucking air in at the same time.  

On 2/5/2018 at 8:05 PM, dave678 said:

You've said you could not completely get rid of  the air bubbles,you do need to, otherwise the pedal will never feel firm.Be patient and try again.Just a thought,are you opening any of the bleed nipples excessively and possibly sucking air in at the same time.  

Sorry did not report back in February: after a few more tries (and buying a pressure-bleeding kit) it worked, the braking is nice and firm now. Thank you for your advice!