Great info thanks for posting. My brake pedal has always been quite spongy even after several good pressure bleeds. I have a GAPiiD tool but according to support, my 2005 4.4 V8 Petrol L322 does not have the option to bleed via ABS pump. I replaced the master cylinder and had to crack each pipe at the top of the ABS unit while pressurising the master cylinder to bleed the ABS unit then bleed the 4 corners. The gravel braking thing is a great idea that I haven't tried so that is on my list to try next. My pedal is very solid with engine off but has always been spongy with engine running. I upgraded to 4 pot Brembo callipers a few years ago so it stops well but the pedal has always bothered me a little. My most recent issue was heavy noise and vibration at low speeds <20MPH that shook the car and sounded like a truck stopping. This was right after fitting new front Brembo pads to used but good EBC disks. Eventually I ran the Stop-tech brake pad bed-in process which amounts to 60mph firm braking to 10mph without stopping then repeat 8 or 9 times in succession to heat the disks and pads and get material transfer from pad to disk. Disks will be pale blue if done correctly. This seems to have done the trick but time will tell. I have also found that I can access both rear calliper bleed nipples from under the car on high suspension setting without jacking or removing the wheels. Saves a lot of time and effort.
Hopefully this info will add to your original post and help someone else too. I'll update when I've tried the gravel braking and re-bleed thing.
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