What Causes Soft Brakes in Paladin?
3 Answers
Reasons for soft brakes in Paladin: Brake fluid contamination: If there is no brake fluid as the medium, or if the brake fluid's working performance is poor, it will result in insufficient friction between the brake pads and brake discs, leading to soft and ineffective braking. Air gap formation: Since brake fluid has certain hydrophilic properties, the longer the car is driven, the more water gets mixed in. After the water evaporates, an air gap forms between the brake pads and brake discs, causing soft and ineffective braking. Decreased reservoir fluid level: Each time the brake pedal is pressed, the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir drops, and it rises again when the pedal is released. To ensure smooth fluid level changes, some vehicle models have vent holes in the reservoir cap (similar to the principle of vent holes in automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, and axles).
The brakes feel spongy. I've encountered this issue several times, usually due to insufficient brake fluid or contaminated fluid. A low reservoir fluid level can cause inadequate hydraulic pressure, making the pedal feel weak. Air entering the system is also a common problem, such as from the brake lines or master cylinder, which makes the entire brake system feel soft and ineffective. Severely worn brake pads with insufficient thickness make it hard to stop the car, so it's important to check if the remaining thickness meets standards. Or, if the brake discs are uneven, the friction effect is reduced. For the Paladin model, if it hasn't been maintained for a long time, the brake fluid tends to absorb moisture and degrade, affecting performance. I think it's best not to ignore this—park and check the fluid level and for any signs of leaks, then get it professionally handled at a shop as soon as possible, whether it's replacing the fluid or bleeding the air. Safe driving comes first, and this kind of soft brake issue is too risky.
I've had this experience before. When driving a Paladin, the brakes suddenly became soft, like stepping on cotton. I asked a mechanic, who said it might be because the brake pads were too thin, resulting in insufficient friction, or the brake fluid was of poor quality with high moisture content, causing expansion. Air trapped in the system can hinder hydraulic transmission and requires precise bleeding. There was also suspicion of an issue with the brake caliper—either a stuck piston or dirt obstructing movement. The suggestion was to start with the simplest step: open the hood and check the fluid reservoir level. If it's below the standard, top it up with new fluid that meets specifications. Don’t risk driving; seek professional help. Remember to inspect the brake components every 20,000 kilometers as part of regular maintenance. Prevention is better than repair, and maintaining your car’s condition is the foundation of safety.
