Brake pedal: Soft first, then firm

[Rob Himself]

Any guesses?

When braking from speed, the brake pedal is initially a bit soft. If I take my foot off and immediately re-apply pressure, the pedal firms up with less travel.

Brake performance hasn't (noticeably) deteriorated.
Had the same problem in the Mini, which was that the rear drums needed adjusting, but obviously with rear discs it can't be the same solution

Ta,
Rob

[cornishtaz]

Usually if you need to do as you've described it means there a bit of air in the system and bleeding it should solve your problem.
I've never had a firm pedal in any Calibra I've had, even after changing disc/pads and bleeding the sysyte.

[Rob Himself]

Cool will try that... ta

[JohnD]

Get a set of Goodridge/Black Diamond Braided Brake Hoses, & when you take the old ones off drain the system. Then when the new hoses are fitted refill the system with DOT5.1 Brake Fluid & bleed brakes as normal. You'll notice a hell of a difference in your stopping power, the car will virtually stand on its nose.