What are the reasons for the brake pedal being hard to press?
3 Answers
The reasons for the brake pedal being hard to press are: 1. Leakage or failure of the car's vacuum booster pump; 2. The brake was pressed again after the engine was turned off, which is related to the brake booster pump; 3. Lack of necessary maintenance of the brake system, excessive impurities in the brake master cylinder, poor sealing, or failure of the vacuum booster pump; 4. Improper operation leading to mechanical failure. The function of the brake is to reduce speed or stop the vehicle. Its working principle is to use the friction between the brake pads and the brake drum, as well as between the tires and the ground, to convert the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat energy after friction, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle. The maintenance methods for the brake include: 1. High-temperature protection to prevent corrosion of the brake system and avoid the brake pads from seizing due to high temperatures; 2. Clean the oil stains on the brake disc and brake drum parts to maintain good heat dissipation of the brake disc; 3. Regularly replace the brake fluid; 4. Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads or brake shoes.
I've encountered the issue of a stiff brake pedal several times. Usually, it's due to a problem with the vacuum booster pump. For instance, if the car's engine isn't started after parking, the booster pump loses its vacuum source, making the brakes extremely hard to press. It could also be caused by a brake fluid leak, where the system pressure drops too low to transmit power, resulting in a pedal that feels like a rock. Another possibility is air entering the brake lines, creating air resistance that makes the pedal stiff. Once, while driving an old car on a trip, the brakes failed halfway. Upon inspection, I found the brake lines had aged and were leaking fluid—it was extremely dangerous. My advice is to pull over immediately, engage the handbrake, and turn on the hazard lights. Don't attempt a makeshift repair afterward; head to a professional shop to replace the faulty parts. To prevent such incidents, check the brake fluid level and lines every six months to ensure the system remains sealed, giving you peace of mind while driving.
It's really nerve-wracking when the brake pedal becomes hard to press. I remember that rainy day when my brakes suddenly locked up—it was a close call. The mechanic later analyzed it might have been due to a vacuum booster leak or insufficient brake fluid causing system pressure loss. In such situations, don't force it—immediately slow down, change lanes, and find a safe spot to inspect. If there's fluid leakage or abnormal brake assist, call for roadside assistance. I've developed a habit of regularly checking the brake fluid reservoir level—don't wait for the warning light, especially with older cars that are more prone to issues. Prevention beats cure—safe driving is the cornerstone of family responsibility. Now I always remind my kids to test the brake pedal feel before driving.
