How to Fix a Longer Brake Pedal Travel?

[Lucy]

To restore the brake pedal travel, start the vehicle and wait for the idle speed to stabilize (about 2-3 minutes). Then, press the brake pedal firmly all the way down, hold it for two seconds, and pull up the handbrake. Keep the foot brake pressed firmly for a few more seconds without releasing it, then slowly release the foot brake and the handbrake. Below are the specific reasons for increased brake pedal travel in cars: 1. Insufficient brake fluid pressure: This can be due to a lack of fluid in the master cylinder, ruptured brake lines, leaking pipe connections, or clogged fluid passages. 2. Brake pedal malfunction: This may be caused by excessive free travel of the brake pedal or excessive clearance in the brake system, poor contact of the brake shoe friction linings, severe wear, or contamination with oil. 3. Condition of the brake discs and pads: The state of the brake discs and pads is another major reason for increased brake pedal travel. As the thickness of the brake pads and discs decreases, the brake fluid level also drops. Since brake fluid is the medium for transmitting force, greater compression is required to effectively complete the braking action, naturally leading to longer brake pedal travel. Therefore, it is essential to regularly inspect the condition of the brake discs and pads during daily use, and not wait until the dashboard warning light comes on before performing maintenance checks.

[SanMalia]

I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered situations where the brake pedal travel becomes longer—essentially, the pedal feels softer and requires more effort to press, which is quite alarming. The issue might be due to air entering the brake system, causing the hydraulic pressure to weaken, requiring a bleed procedure. Low or leaking brake fluid also warrants checking the fluid level, topping it up, or replacing the fluid entirely. Excessive wear on the brake pads can also lead to longer pedal travel; check their thickness, as they generally need replacement when worn down to about 3 millimeters. Other potential causes include aging of the master cylinder or wheel cylinders, or loose connecting pipes. It's advisable to stop and inspect immediately rather than continuing to drive, especially on highways where the risks are higher. I've handled it myself before, but the most reliable approach is to have a professional mechanic conduct a thorough inspection to prevent minor issues from escalating into major failures. Developing a habit of regularly checking the brake system can help prevent such incidents. Safety comes first—don't cut corners to save money.

[GideonAnn]

Longer brake pedal travel is a common issue, usually caused by low or poor-quality brake fluid. I've tried bleeding the system to remove air bubbles, which worked quite well. Another reason could be worn-out brake pads - naturally increasing travel distance, so simply measure the thickness to decide if replacement is needed. Minor leaks in the piping can also cause this; carefully inspect connection points. Don't forget to check if the vacuum booster is functioning properly. It's best to perform basic checks yourself first, like fluid level and visual inspection, but leave complex issues to professionals. Never neglect brake problems - repairs aren't expensive, so don't wait until complete failure occurs. Pay regular attention to brake condition during maintenance for peace of mind and efficiency.

[SanElla]

My car had the same issue recently—the brake pedal became soft with a longer travel distance, making driving feel unsafe. The main problem might be air entering the hydraulic system, and bleeding the brakes should fix it. Low brake fluid levels or old, degraded fluid also require replacement. Additionally, excessively thin or unevenly worn brake pads can cause abnormal pedal travel, so measure them promptly. Minor leaks can easily trigger this problem. For minor cases, I can simply bleed the brakes or top up the fluid, but severe cases require professional repair. Remind yourself to perform regular maintenance checks and pay attention to unusual noises or changes while driving. Safe driving takes no risks—address any issues immediately.