What Causes Hard Braking?
4 Answers
Reasons for hard braking: Insufficient power assistance from the brake booster, it is recommended to have it inspected and repaired at a 4S shop. More information about the brake booster is as follows: 1. The brake booster is a power-assisted braking device added to the manual hydraulic braking system to reduce the pedal force required by the driver. It typically uses the vacuum from the engine intake manifold as the power source to assist the hydraulic braking system. 2. Depending on their installation positions in the vehicle, brake boosters are divided into two types: central parking brake systems and wheel parking brake systems. The former has the brake installed on the drive shaft; the latter shares the same set of brakes with the service braking system, featuring a simple and compact structure, and has been widely adopted in passenger cars.
The common cause of hard brakes is usually a problem with the vacuum booster or related systems. The vacuum booster helps reduce the effort needed to press the brake pedal. If it leaks or the diaphragm is damaged, the assistance is lost, requiring much more force to stop the vehicle. Aging vacuum hoses with cracks or loose connections can also lead to vacuum leaks. Additionally, low brake fluid levels or air bubbles in the system can impair the entire braking system's performance. I must emphasize that this issue should not be taken lightly—struggling with brakes at high speeds is dangerous and increases the risk of rear-end collisions. It's advisable to routinely check vacuum hoses for integrity when parked, rather than waiting for an emergency. The best practice is to have a mechanic inspect the booster system and fluid condition during bi-annual or 10,000 km maintenance. If you prefer DIY checks, listen for a hissing sound when the engine starts, as it may indicate a vacuum leak. In short, early detection ensures peace of mind.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered several instances where the brakes suddenly became stiff. Once during heavy traffic in the city, I felt the pedal become rock-hard and had to exert tremendous effort to stop the car. Later, I learned it was due to a failed vacuum booster, which uses engine vacuum to reduce pedal force. If the pump fails or the vacuum source gets blocked, the brakes become harder to press. It could also be caused by vacuum hoses being heat-damaged by the engine, leading to air leaks. That time, I drove to a repair shop where the mechanic spent half an hour locating a small crack and replaced the hose, fixing the issue. Since then, I've developed the habit of gently pressing the brakes before parking to listen for any abnormal sounds and regularly changing the brake fluid. Remember, if your brakes feel hard while driving, you must immediately slow down and pull over to check—safety comes first.
As a new car owner, I was puzzled when the brakes suddenly became stiff. Online research suggested it could be a vacuum system failure or brake fluid issue. My car hadn't had its brake fluid changed in three years, and contamination caused the pedal to stick, making it hard to press. A shop inspection revealed the brake booster might also be aging and leaking air. Luckily, the issue was caught early, and only cost 200 yuan to clean the fluid lines. Delaying repairs could have led to more expensive part replacements. Now, I check the fluid level every 5,000 kilometers to avoid similar troubles. This experience reminds us not to neglect routine maintenance—it saves money and ensures safety.
