Hayes 9 brakes really soft do i need to bleed them?

If you have to pull a lot, but they are firm, then your brake pads are probably worn out. If they feel soft-in other words-you know the brake pad is touching but you have to pull a lot more for it to brake, then you need to bleed them. This will feel as if you have no resistance at all on the brake lever. I have those same brakes, and in general, it's can be a pain to bleed hydraulic brakes. I would take it to a shop and save the trouble. If you're going to do it yourself, be sure not to get brake fluid on to the rotor or the pads! They will lose a lot of braking power if this happens.  more