What Are the Reasons for Brakes Not Returning to Position?
3 Answers
Possible reasons for brakes not returning to position include: 1. The brake return spring is broken or has lost its elasticity. Replacing the brake pedal return spring can resolve this issue. 2. The brake caliper piston is stuck, causing braking resistance. 3. The rear wheel bearing is fixed or installed incorrectly, or the rear wheel bearing is worn. 4. The brake fluid is too dirty, or the master cylinder's internal valve is stuck. It is recommended that car owners promptly visit a repair shop for inspection and maintenance to prevent affecting safe driving. More information about car brake pads is as follows: 1. Brake pads and brake discs (drums) have a service life. When worn to a certain extent, they must be replaced. Maintaining the good condition of brake pads is the most direct maintenance method for the braking system. 2. When replacing brake pads, due to prolonged inactivity in position, the edges of the rubber and guide sleeve may stick together. The travel distance of new brake pads differs significantly from that of old ones, causing the rubber sleeve to be cut or squeezed at the edges.
Last time I was driving, the brake pedal didn't return after being pressed, which really scared me. I was on the highway, and when I stepped on the brake, it felt spongy, the pedal didn't come back up, and I almost rear-ended someone. I rushed to get it fixed, and the mechanic said it might be an issue with the brake master cylinder—either it was stuck or leaking. If the brake fluid is too low or has air bubbles, the hydraulic system fails, and the pedal won't return. If the pistons in the calipers are rusted and stuck, they won't retract either. Broken or worn-out springs can also cause the pedal to fail to return. That's when I realized how important it is to regularly check the brake fluid level and quality. It's best to check the fluid level gauge every three months and not delay the oil change cycle too long. Otherwise, a small issue could lead to a major disaster, especially when braking is less effective on slippery roads during rain. Don't skimp on maintenance costs—safety comes first. My experience tells me that if there's any abnormality in the car's condition, pull over and address it immediately.
There are several common reasons why brakes may not return to their original position, such as wear and oil leakage in the master cylinder, leading to insufficient hydraulic pressure. If air bubbles enter the hydraulic system, the pedal may not rebound because the bubbles compress. Another common issue is the failure of the caliper's return spring or piston sticking. The inspection steps are simple: first, engage the handbrake to secure the vehicle, then open the hood to check the brake fluid level and color—cloudy or low fluid levels may indicate a leak. Pump the brake pedal to feel its response; if the travel is long and the pedal doesn't return, professional tools may be needed to bleed the system. Such issues should not be taken lightly, as they can more than double the braking distance and severely impact driving safety. It's recommended to visit a repair shop promptly. Beginners can learn to check the brake system's condition daily, but in-depth repairs should be left to professionals.
