What Causes a Pickup Truck's Brakes to Be Hard to Press and Unresponsive?
2 Answers
The main reason is air leakage or failure of the vacuum booster pump. When encountering brake failure while driving, the following measures can be taken: 1. Press the brake pedal multiple times: Repeatedly pressing the brake several times can apply pressure to the brake system with air in the oil pipes, and with repeated pressing, there is a chance to restore braking force. 2. Turn on hazard lights to alert surrounding vehicles: While slowing down, turn on the lights and honk to alert nearby vehicles, then call for help. 3. Use the handbrake: The handbrake should be pulled up slowly to allow the braking force to increase gradually. Because suddenly pulling the handbrake hard can cause the rear wheels to lock up, leading to skidding, which is more dangerous.
Last time when I was delivering goods with a pickup truck, I encountered a situation where the brake pedal was hard to press, and I panicked. At that time, I was carrying half a ton of cargo downhill, and the brake pedal felt extremely stiff, making it impossible to stop. Later, after inspection, it was found that the vacuum booster pump was leaking, and the engine couldn't provide the necessary boost, which explained why the brake pedal was so hard. Another issue with pickup trucks is that sometimes the brake hoses can age and leak, causing the same problem—without enough fluid, the pressure can't build up. There's also the possibility that the master cylinder is faulty; if the rubber seal inside wears out, it can't push the brake fluid effectively. It's advisable to check these three areas immediately, especially before driving with heavy loads, and always test the brakes a few times—safety comes first.
