Spongy Pedal...
 

What causes a spongy brake pedal??? I decided to get my front brake pads replaced at Midas. The brakes work great, but it's real spongy-feeling now. I don't think Midas is to blame because before I had the pads replaced, the pedal traveled pretty far before the brakes would actually engage. It get's annoying because at stoplights I have to push the pedal pretty far down and hard to keep the car from moving forward. (Automatic Tranny) Could this be air in the brake line?

I'm taking it back tomorrow anyway to get my transmission fluid changed, so I guess I'll ask them to check the fluid..

It's also possible that the new pads aren't bedded in. Try this- make 7-10 hard stops from medium speed (like 45-50 mph) until the pads smell a little, but aren't really stinking yet. Then drive the car around until the brakes cool completely- I recommend a freeway because you won't have to stop and heat them up :)

If this doesn't work, it may be the brake pads. Midas and most other brake shops typically use the cheapest brake pads they can find. This usually means organic pads, which frequently suck, especially when they get hot. The stock Mazda pads are semi-metallic and are pretty damn good. Replacing them with discount dung will often make the brakes feel worse. If you're using cheap pads, at least make sure they're semi-metallic.

My car is currently wearing cheap semi-metallic pads which will probably soon be pitched and replaced with Hawk pads :D

Problem fixed!

The Midas tech adjusted the rear brakes, and now everything works great. The pedal feel is much better now, like it was when the car was brand new.

I've noticed now that the e-brake lever only needs to be pulled up about 2-3 inches, whereas before it took a big yank to the highest position possible to even think about having the e-brake hold the car.

Great job Midas!