Soft Initial Brake Travel

[MNmtb]

Test drove a 2024 Trailmaster yesterday. 13k mile and spec'ed exactly as I would order one. So, lots to like for me. One thing I did notice is that as I pressed the brake to put into Drive, the initial pedal feel was rather soft, another pump of the brake pedal and everything firmed up. Started driving and did not really feel any issues with the brakes. Wanted to see for myself what the real world issue with turning radius was (none for me), but I did notice that again, that the first push on the brakes did seem a little soft. A second press firms everything up.

Not huge, but noticeable that the first part of pedal travel was softer than I would have expected.

Would love to hear from owners if this is normal, has anyone experienced similar or is this something I would have standing to discuss with the dealer.

FWIW, my current rides are a 2015 Tacoma and 1981 LandCruiser Troopy FJ45 which get used and dirty!!! I'm looking at the Grenadier to replace both.

Thanks much everyone.

 

[anand]

11 months/23k miles of ownership and spent countless days driving 20 (literally) other Grenadiers, none had a particularly soft pedal, or a pedal that changed in feel from one instance to another.

If it's a decent dealer, I'm sure they'd be willing to do a flush prior to sale

 

[landmannnn]

If brand new the pads might not have bedded in yet.

 

[MNmtb]

Thanks everyone. The dealer seems very good and has been very open to all my questions and requests

 

[Logsplitter]

My brake pedal has felt soft for first part of travel from day one and still does. I’ve had three services inc brake pads changed and still the same. Just got used to it now.

 

[MNmtb]

My brake pedal has felt soft for first part of travel from day one and still does. I’ve had three services inc brake pads changed and still the same. Just got used to it now.

Thanks for posting up. When I return to the dealer, I'll drive a couple more to see if it is a "feature" or a "Flaw"

 

[DoubleDoom]

One thing I did notice is that as I pressed the brake to put into Drive, the initial pedal feel was rather soft, another pump of the brake pedal and everything firmed up. Started driving and did not really feel any issues with the brakes.

I have it on my IG. Typically first time after it hasn't been driven for a few days. Within one depress of the pedal, its back to normal again.

 

[Tazzieman]

Yes my pedal also is softish , not bitey compared to my wife's Volvo or previous Benz.
Different pads might make a difference , but "bitey" pads wear fast..As do soft discs.
Or it could be air in the pipes.
Nonetheless I've had no issues on long downhill runs with a 2.5T van behind. Nor braking suddenly on dirt roads.

 

[Max]

It was a long time between driving a vehicle of this weight and I had to adjust to the brake feel. Not soft, not harsh just a little slower on the uptake and I had to watch my braking distance giving time to react gently without having to be too abrupt...45k klms nothing has changed but if need be they will pull up quickly