What are the symptoms of a faulty car brake wheel cylinder?

2 Answers
GabrielleLee
07/29/25 3:44am
When a car brake wheel cylinder is damaged, symptoms include oil leakage at the connection between the wheel cylinder and the oil pipe, and a soft feeling when pressing the brake pedal. After pressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel may noticeably pull to one side, which is likely caused by uneven brake pad wear or a faulty wheel cylinder. Additionally, after pressing the brake pedal, the pedal may not rise back up and lacks resistance, commonly referred to as the brake not returning to position. Below is more related information: 1. Abnormal noise during braking: When driving and pressing the brake, the brake system may emit sharp and harsh metal friction sounds. This could be due to thin brake pads, poor-quality brake pads, foreign objects in the brake pads, or rust on the brake disc. Usually, pressing the brake a few more times may alleviate the noise. If it doesn't improve, it's best to drive to a repair shop for inspection. 2. Brake shudder: One situation is feeling the brake pedal "kick back" during emergency braking, similar to a "thump, thump, thump" sensation. This is normal and occurs because the ABS is functioning, performing intermittent braking. The second situation is problematic, mostly occurring in older vehicles due to brake disc wear or uneven wear, causing the brake disc surface to lose its flatness. In such cases, the brake disc should be inspected immediately, and depending on the situation, resurfacing ("resurfacing the disc") or replacing the brake disc is recommended. 3. Soft brake: While driving and applying the brakes, the deceleration is minimal, and the braking distance is long. The causes of poor braking performance in a hydraulic brake system can generally be judged based on the brake pedal travel, the softness or hardness felt when pressing the pedal, and the stability after pressing the pedal. If the pedal height slowly decreases while maintaining braking, it indicates a rupture in the brake line, poor sealing at a connection, poor sealing of the master or wheel cylinder piston, or faulty return and outlet valves. First, press the brake pedal to observe any brake fluid leakage. If everything appears normal externally, then inspect the wheel cylinder or master cylinder for faults. If the pedal height slightly increases and feels elastic after several consecutive brake applications, it indicates air has entered the brake line.
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AsherRose
08/12/25 7:32am
When driving, the most obvious sign of a faulty brake caliper is a spongy brake pedal that feels soft with no resistance, like stepping on cotton, which significantly reduces braking effectiveness, increases stopping distance, and may fail to stop in emergencies. For example, after starting the car, if you press the brake pedal several times and it keeps sinking to the lowest point before gaining any force, this indicates a problem with the hydraulic system. Another sign is brake fluid leakage—check the engine compartment, and you might notice oil stains or a rapidly dropping fluid level. The scariest scenario is when the brakes suddenly fail completely while driving, causing the car to surge forward uncontrollably. Once, I almost hit a guardrail before realizing the caliper was broken. I recommend stopping immediately to inspect the issue. If these symptoms are detected, don’t hesitate—tow the car to a professional repair shop for part replacement. Ignoring it poses serious safety risks, and timely repairs are far cheaper than dealing with a major failure later.
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