What Causes Brake Failure in the BenBen E-Star?
3 Answers
Brake failure in the BenBen E-Star is caused by a malfunction in the vacuum booster pump, which requires inspection and repair at a 4S shop. The Role of the Vacuum Booster Pump: The vacuum booster pump, also known as the brake booster pump, controls the vacuum entering the booster during braking. It moves the diaphragm and, through a linkage device, uses the pushrod on the diaphragm to assist the driver in pressing and pushing the brake pedal, thereby amplifying the force applied by the driver. How the Vacuum Booster Pump Works: The brake booster pump utilizes the principle of air intake during engine operation to create a vacuum on one side of the booster. This creates a pressure difference compared to the normal air pressure on the other side, which is used to enhance braking thrust. Even a small pressure difference across the diaphragm can generate significant thrust to move the diaphragm toward the side with lower pressure, thanks to the large surface area of the diaphragm.
I've encountered the issue of brake failure with the BenBen E-Star, which might be caused by a drop in pressure due to brake fluid leakage or insufficient levels, along with excessive wear or rust on the brake pads, resulting in a soft and unresponsive pedal when pressed. As a daily driver, I've noticed that brakes are more prone to freezing in winter, and high temperatures in summer can cause the fluid to deteriorate, both of which increase the risk of failure. The complex electronic systems in electric vehicles mean that a faulty ABS module can interfere with brake response. In such situations, it's crucial to pull over immediately, turn on the hazard lights, and stop the vehicle safely without forcing it to continue. Regular maintenance should include frequent checks of fluid levels and pad thickness, and it's advisable to visit a specialized repair shop every six months to ensure the battery system isn't affecting the power steering pump, preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems. Safety should always come first—don't skimp on maintenance costs.
As an automotive technology enthusiast, the potential causes of brake failure in the BenBen E-Star may include issues with the ABS system sensors or software bugs. Since it's an electric vehicle, the electronic control unit may send incorrect signals to the brake pedal when unstable. I've researched that the electric power-assisted pump could fail due to voltage instability, and wire corrosion or loose connections are also common, especially in humid environments which accelerate aging. It's recommended to use a diagnostic computer to read fault codes for judgment, rather than relying solely on intuition. For prevention, regularly applying anti-rust treatment to the chassis and upgrading to the latest system firmware can reduce risks. In case of brake failure while driving, gradually reduce speed using the handbrake for assistance, avoid sudden steering wheel movements to minimize accident probability.
