What Causes Hard Braking?
2 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.
