What Causes the Brakes to Harden When the Air Conditioning is Turned On in an Emgrand?
3 Answers
When the brakes harden with the air conditioning on in an Emgrand, it indicates an issue with the brake vacuum system. Brake Wear: Severe wear of the brake pads causes the expansion shaft to reach its maximum limit, jamming and failing to reset. This is common in older vehicles with prolonged use. Replace the brake pads. High Brake Line Resistance: Excessive resistance in the brake line is often due to internal rusting from water ingress, freezing, oil contamination, or dust accumulation causing stickiness. It is recommended to replace the brake line. Rear Brake Expansion Shaft Wear: Severe wear of the rear brake expansion shaft is common in older vehicles that have had brake pads replaced, where the working surface of the expansion shaft is heavily worn and jammed. Transmission Mechanism Wear: Issues such as improper brake line routing, aging or deformation of the line sheath, etc. Specific analysis is required for different models. If unable to resolve the issue independently, it is advisable to consult a professional mechanic.
When the Emgrand's brakes become harder after turning on the AC, I guess you might have encountered this situation. As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I have to say this is quite common. The main issue lies in the brake vacuum booster system. Once the AC is activated, the engine load increases, diverting some of its power to drive the AC compressor, which affects the normal operation of the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump usually relies on the engine to create vacuum to assist in reducing pedal force during braking. If it can't keep up, the brake pedal naturally becomes harder, making it particularly strenuous to press. Additionally, don’t overlook issues like aging or leaks in the vacuum hoses. After a few years, domestic cars like the Emgrand might develop air leaks in the hoses, leading to insufficient boost. I remember the last time I took the Emgrand on a long trip—when I turned up the AC, the brakes suddenly became hard, giving me quite a scare. My suggestion is to first try turning off the AC. If the brakes return to normal, it’s a booster issue; if not, you should immediately head to a repair shop to check the hoses and booster pump. Don’t delay, as brake failure is no joke. Regular maintenance checks on the vacuum system’s sealing can help prevent this issue.
When the Emgrand's air conditioning is turned on, the brake pedal feels unusually stiff. I believe this is most likely related to insufficient engine vacuum. Turning on the air conditioning causes the compressor to operate, consuming more engine power, which results in the vacuum booster not receiving adequate negative pressure, thereby reducing brake assist. Having worked on many vehicles, I've found that similar issues often involve vacuum leaks or booster malfunctions. The Emgrand's relatively simple structure means its vacuum lines may develop leaks or blockages over time, leading to unstable assist. I recommend immediately inspecting the brake system: check if the vacuum pump is functioning properly and listen for any hissing sounds indicating leaks. If the brakes improve when the air conditioning is off, it confirms the issue is due to excessive load. For safety, avoid driving with stiff brakes—pull over and inspect immediately to prevent potential brake failure accidents. During regular maintenance, ask technicians to test the vacuum system pressure to maintain optimal performance. In daily driving, anticipate road conditions and brake earlier when using air conditioning to reduce the risk of sudden emergency stops.
