Brake issue

2006 KIA PICANTO
104,000 MILES • 1.1L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MIKE BEETON
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This a very recent s/hand buy, maybe bought with this problem, unknown to me! Sadly as already mentioned brakes binding especially o/s front have checked brake caliper for relieve of "pedal pressure" and has that "small" return so not piston sticking, so replaced flex hose, no difference, so go to master cylinder release nuts drawn master cylinder forward approximately 1/8 inch and brake pressure seems to have subsided. As a matter of course can one remove scuttle panel where the master cylinder reservoir is mounted, so as to see/get at servo rod and see if there is any means of adjustment.The mention of brake light switch adjustment has made me curious! how does one go about checking the operation/adjustment? Have replaced o/s rear hub/brake sensor unit, freed off all brake pads in carriers and replaced b/pads, What concerns me is the ABS unit as you have mentioned. I thought there must be "ports and seals" and "one way valves operated by solenoids or "reed switches ", but if there was a problem here would a "fault code" show? Have read your extremely helpful "pointers" but could you advise on brake switch. Many thanks.

Vehicle listed above LX 124,000 miles reg WM06BTX.
Oct 8, 2019 at 7:53 AM
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STEVE W.
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Welcome to 2CarPros. The brake pedal free play is usually adjustable but how it is accessed depends on the vehicle. Many you adjust at the pedal end with a clevis that is pinned to the pedal arm and threaded onto the brake apply rod. Most of the time it can be reached by looking up under the dash and adjusting it there. This shouldn't be needed though unless the master cylinder was just replaced or the system was contaminated with something other than brake fluid. Another possible item would be the brake light switch if it is on the opposite side of the pedal and was adjusted so it is pressing on the pedal. For that you would need to look at the way the pedal and switch are mounted and see if someone adjusted the switch so it is tight.
Oct 10, 2019 at 11:29 PM
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MIKE BEETON
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Hi, how many modern cars brake rod adjust ! if the brake pedal light switch was on the side of pedal ,brake lights would be on continuously!
Oct 11, 2019 at 4:51 AM
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STEVE W.
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Depends on the manufacturer. The brake light switch normally activates when you step on the brake and the plunger extends out. If the switch is adjusted too tight it just jams the plunger in hard on the switch while also holding the brake pedal down. It makes it so that you need to step down more for the lights to come on.
Oct 11, 2019 at 7:10 AM