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thomasschwarz1

Spongy Cadillac XT6 Brakes Signal Safety Risk

My brake pedal feels spongy and gives unpredictable resistance when pressed. Getting worried since my last mechanic visit was not great. Car details: 2020 Cadillac XT6, gas engine, 94000km. Could this be low brake fluid or do I need a complete brake inspection? Has anyone experienced similar brake pedal behavior and what did it cost to fix? Want to be prepared before heading to a new shop.

4 comment(s)

melinakoenig1

Based on similar symptoms with my 2017 Cadillac XT5, this definitely requires immediate attention. A spongy brake pedal often indicates air in the hydraulic brakes or low brake fluid levels. Last autumn, my brake system showed identical symptoms, inconsistent pedal feel and poor response. The brake inspection revealed two issues: air had entered the brake lines, and the brake fluid was contaminated with moisture. The brake system needed a complete fluid flush and bleeding procedure to remove air bubbles. Additionally, the front brake pads were showing significant wear, though this was separate from the spongy pedal issue. This is a serious safety concern that should not be postponed. When hydraulic brakes lose proper fluid pressure, stopping distance increases dramatically. The entire brake system needs professional diagnosis, as these symptoms could also indicate: Failing master cylinder, Leaking brake lines, Worn brake calipers, Compromised brake fluid quality Would strongly recommend getting a complete brake inspection from a certified shop. With similar mileage on your XT6, its worth checking all brake components while diagnosing the pedal issue.

thomasschwarz1 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed response about the brake pedal and fluid issues. Mine got fixed about a month ago. The warning light came on right after I noticed the spongy brake pedal, which made the decision to visit a shop pretty urgent. The mechanic found air in the brake lines plus a small leak near one of the rear calipers. Total repair came to 480€ including a complete brake fluid flush, fixing the leak, and bleeding the system. They also recommended replacing the brake pads soon but I wanted to wait on that. Has everything been working properly for you since the repair? Just curious if you had any lingering issues with the car brakes or if it was a one-and-done fix?

melinakoenig1

The brake system has been working flawlessly since my repair last autumn. Like your case, the warning light and spongy pedal were clear signs that needed immediate attention. After addressing the brake fluid level and bleeding the brake lines, the pedal feel returned to normal with consistent resistance. I did opt to replace the worn brakes during the same service, which ended up costing 480€ total. Looking back, it was worth fixing everything at once rather than making multiple shop visits. The brake inspection showed it was the right call, as worn pads can contribute to uneven braking performance. Just keep monitoring your brake fluid levels and pedal feel. If you notice any changes in brake response or the warning light appears again, get it checked promptly. Regular brake system maintenance helps prevent these issues from recurring.

thomasschwarz1 (Author)

Thanks for asking about the follow-up. After fixing my brake system last month, everything has been working great. The car brakes feel solid now, no more sponginess or inconsistent resistance when pressing the pedal. My total repair ended up being spot on with yours, 480€ for a complete brake fluid replacement, fixing a small leak, and bleeding the lines. The mechanic I found did a thorough brake inspection and explained everything clearly. Much better experience than my previous shop. The warning light hasnt come back and the brake system feels like new. Pretty relieved since the spongy pedal had me worried about safety. Still planning to get those brake pads done in a few months, but at least the critical hydraulic issues are fixed. Good to know repairs like this seem to hold up well long-term. Will definitely stay on top of regular brake maintenance from now on. Having predictable, reliable brakes makes such a difference in driving confidence.

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