What Causes the Brakes to Suddenly Become Hard and Unable to Depress?
2 Answers
Sudden hardening of the brakes is generally caused by issues with the brake booster pump, foreign objects adhering to the brake pads and calipers, or the intervention of the vehicle's ABS system. Below is relevant information: 1. Problems with the brake booster pump: If the brakes suddenly become hard while driving, it may be due to a leak or blockage in the vacuum tube of the brake booster pump. In such cases, it is necessary to stop the vehicle immediately for inspection and replace the part if required. 2. Related to braking before engine shutdown: The vehicle's braking system operates most effectively when the engine is running, with the brake booster pump playing a crucial role in amplifying the force applied to the brake pedal.
When the brake suddenly becomes hard and difficult to press, this phenomenon is mostly due to a problem with the brake booster system. The car's braking system has a vacuum booster device, which relies on engine vacuum to assist you in lightly pressing the brake. If the vacuum booster fails, the vacuum tube leaks, or the booster pump is damaged, the vacuum assistance is lost, and the brake relies entirely on your manual force, naturally becoming stiff. I have personally encountered this while driving; checking whether the vacuum tube is loose or cracked usually identifies the cause, and a simple repair can fix it. However, never force driving under such conditions, as it can lead to longer braking distances and potential accidents. Always pay attention to the feel of the car while driving, and if you encounter such an issue, pull over safely immediately—don’t risk continuing. The braking system depends on the coordination of these components, and regular maintenance can help detect potential problems early.
