Spongey Braking

[vanillaice]

Hi,

Recently purchased and fitted rear recon calipers, pagid pads and left and right hand brake cables in order to have a hand brake that actually worked!!

Anyway, got mechanic mate to fit all the parts, bleed etc. and I'm not happy with the results... :ffs:

The handbrake lever is now stiff to pull on as I would have expected - but nothing happens! My mechanic mate said drive short distances with the handbrake applied then add a bit of foot brake to help bed everything in, which I've done. BUt the handbrake still doesnt hold the car even on the slightest of hills - which my old setup did!!!

I have also found the brake pedal (what I call spongey) when pressed for the first time. After a couple of pumps it feels tighter and I believe the car brakes better. However, a minute down the road it requires pumping again - whats causing this? :S

I haven't got back to my mate yet as I wondered if these where a corolla specific problem, but after sheeling out ~£300, I want some answers!!!

Anyone got any bright ideas?

Cheers,

ICE