Weak, spongey front brake after installing new pads

[ashicus]

Semi-novice mechanic here in need of advice. I recently installed new pads on my friend's 2008 GZ and now the front brake is super spongey. In fact I can almost pull the lever all the way to the grip if I squeeze hard enough. The brake *is* working, but it's feels really weak. Here's the process I used:

• Removed caliper and old pads

• Used a soft cloth (dampened with a bit of kerosene) to clean around the inside of the caliper and the outside of the piston

• Used a small c-clamp and an old pad to push the piston back in. I did *not* open the bleeder valve or remove the cap of the fluid reservoir (my hunch is that this is where I screwed up)

• Applied caliper grease to the backs of the new pads and installed them.

• Reinstalled caliper and torqued everything to spec

I used the same process when replacing the pads on my Bonneville, and didn't have any issues, so I thought I'd be good. Did I mess up by not opening the bleeder?

Any advice greatly appreciated

[raul10141964]

you use the correct procedure, the spongy filing is most like it air in the system, probably was like that from the beginning

[ashicus]

Originally Posted by raul10141964

you use the correct procedure, the spongy filing is most like it air in the system, probably was like that from the beginning

I put a handful of miles on the bike recently, and I feel like it wasn't spongy before the brake job. Of course my memory could be failing me.

Either way, sounds like the course of action would be to bleed the brakes and replace the fluid, is that right?

[JWR]

Yes. After I do my brakes, bled the lines, I wrap the brake handle down with Velcro overnight.

[ashicus]

Thanks, guys. I'll bleed the brakes and see how it goes.

[jonathan180iq]

Sort of an after-thought. But I agree with this assessment...