The reason for soft brakes due to ABS pump pressure loss is poor performance of the brake fluid, which creates an air gap between the brake pads and brake discs, resulting in a soft and ineffective braking sensation. Below are methods to restore or resolve soft brakes: 1. Brake pad wear: First, check if the brake pads are excessively worn. Generally, mid-to-high-end cars come with a brake pad wear warning function. Once the brake pads approach the critical wear level, the corresponding warning light will illuminate on the dashboard. Even for cars without this function, when the brake pads wear to the critical level, the brake disc will come into contact with the metal part reserved on the brake pad, producing abnormal noises to remind the driver to inspect and replace the brake pads. 2. Brake pump issues: Check for internal leaks in the master cylinder and wheel cylinders. Inside the master cylinder, several rubber cups pressurize the brake fluid via the brake pedal, transmitting the force to the wheel cylinders, which then push the brake pads to frictionally engage the brake discs and generate braking force. If the rubber cups inside the master or wheel cylinders are worn, causing internal pressure loss, it will lead to a soft brake feel. The method is: Start the car and wait for the idle speed to stabilize (about 2-3 minutes); Press the brake pedal firmly all the way down—make sure to use force; After two seconds, pull up the handbrake while keeping the foot brake pressed for several seconds; Then slowly release the foot brake, and finally release the handbrake.
