Why do I have to STAND on my brakes?!

[PhoenixDownVII]

I checked my brake fluid: Fine.
I just replaced all 4 disks and pads with NAPA mid-grade parts.

I find that the brakes require a LOT of pressure to get a good bite out of them, especially compared to my Miata, company car Yaris, or my wife's Corolla. It's really horrible in comparison.

What could be the issue? Is this common on the mid 90's models?

My car is a 96 2.2L Legacy Wagon L. Just hit 102k miles.

[T_F_E]

How old is master cylinder?

[StatGSR]

how well did you bleed the brakes???

[rougeben83]

check your brake booster for leaks (big black saucer looking thing below your master cylinder). Also check the vacuum line that runs to the brake booster as it may be cracked or leaking.

[Brockley]

mine sucks too (97 GT)

alot of it comes from our crappy masters/boosters.

Single Stage booster from an SVX is a large upgrade.

Larger Master (also SVX works) is another great upgrade.

those are the first things to do if everything checks out/ if you want to upgrade...

[jey]

Lots of potential sources of problems: the NAPA brakes may not be any good. What brake fluid did you use after you flushed? Do you have ABS, and if so is the light on, indicating malfunction? What is the condition of your brake lines?

[Mikey97D]

Did you get oil on the pads?