Brakes don't Bite Options

[bkrantz]

As part of my rebuild I completely replaced the brake system:
calipers and rear pressure valve rebuilt by PMB
new ATE 19mm master cylinder
new hard and flex lines
new disks and Porterfield R4-S pads

I went through many (many!) episodes of bleeding, with different methods. The pedal feels very firm from the first push, and does not pump up. Rear clearance is set at .004". I went through the PMB bedding process, and have driven around a bit.

But the braking force seems weak. When I get on the brake pedal, I do not feel any "bite". Another 914 friend drove the car and also agrees.

Any suggestions?

[ChrisFoley]

New caliper seals cause a long pedal which will pump up in operation, then return to long pedal again. It takes time for the seals to bed in - a couple hundred miles of driving is usually sufficient.
Enough air in the system to cause the same feel is unusual once the system has been properly bled. Contrary to popular myth, the rear regulator does not contain enough volume to be difficult to bleed.

Single rear brake lock up could indicate a corner balance issue.

Firewall flex is a significant factor in pedal feel.
Have you installed a master cylinder brace? It can make the difference between a pedal that reaches the floor before lockup and one that doesn't.