Newbie: Brake Pressure - Are my brakes working correctly?

[solidgoldspork]

How can I tell how well my brakes are working? I have never owned a car that couldn't lock up and skid a little when you slam the brakes on and my previa (new to me, used) feels like after a brake job, I can floor the brakes and it tends to slide to a halt, no wheel locking, no skidding. On my hill (a steep grade, but still) with an empty van, it barely comes to a stop after several feet. With the pedal to the extent.

The pedal doesn't go to the floor like the system isn't bled, but they do feel like they aren't grabbing or something.

Is this normal, are previa brakes just a little less responsive? (I don't know what to expect).

I just got new rotors and pads on the front.

[TheMAN]

what kind of pads did you put in?

[solidgoldspork]

what kind of pads did you put in?

To be honest I don't know. I had a mechanic do the work (I have more money than time at the moment). I'm asking because I want to be more confident in their work. For the most part I have no reason to doubt them but the brakes feel so soft.

[TheMAN]

if he put in some cheap crappy pads, then there's your answer why the brakes are crap
it makes a huge difference what brand of pads are used

pedal in mine is still nice and firm, using the expensive toyota branded pads... stops on a dime!

[mountainhick]

What year? Does it have ABS?

[dirk005]

I recently had the brakes replaced about three to four weeks ago by a mechanic. I have a new problem now that when I press the brake pedal it goes very close to the floor without the same pressure that was there when pressing the brakes before. Plus the brakes seem to catch again the correct pressure and work properly as it did before with the brakes properly working and having the correct strong pressure. This has only happened a couple of times when pressing the brakes. I checked the brake fluid and it is at medium level.
Does anyone know why the brake pedal is slipping so low to the floor before it actually works.

[mountainhick]

Don't quite understand what you are saying. Is it not a constant thing? or is it always happening?First impression is either air in the brake lines, leaking brake lines or scored master cylinder:

[dirk005]

It started happening today. Let's say I press the brake pedals four times at four different stop locations. The pedal will drop down low to the floor on the fourth time. So it happens 1 out of 4 times. But it will keep doing that while I drive. I have been having transmission trouble with the fluid but I don't know how that will effect the brakes.

Don't quite understand what you are saying. Is it not a constant thing? or is it always happening?First impression is either air in the brake lines, leaking brake lines or scored master cylinder:

[Jonny]

This thread is old, sure, but resurrection is the only super-power available to me so I'm taking advantage of it.
I was told by a mechanic I like who seems to know what he's talking about most of the time, that variable and unpredictable position of the brake pedal upon braking is usually a sign that the master cylinder itself is failing.