What causes the hard brake pedal and ineffective braking in a GL8?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons for a hard brake pedal and ineffective braking: 1. Insufficient brake vacuum assistance: A hard brake pedal is usually related to insufficient or lost brake vacuum assistance. Take the vehicle to a repair shop to check for leaks or malfunctions in the brake booster pump, pipelines, or master cylinder, and repair as needed; 2. Vacuum is only generated when the engine is running: The vacuum booster pump only generates vacuum and provides assistance when the engine is running. When the engine stops, it no longer generates assistance, though some residual vacuum may remain, which completely disappears after pressing the brake pedal when the engine is off; 3. Decelerator: The brake is a mechanical braking device that slows down the vehicle, also known as a decelerator. Simply put, the car's brake pedal is located under the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal causes the brake lever to be pressurized and transmit force to the brake shoes on the brake drum, clamping the brake disc to slow down or stop the vehicle.
I've driven quite a few cars, and issues with hard brakes or failure to stop usually involve a malfunction in the vacuum booster system—that part that helps us save effort. Normally, the brake pedal feels light, but now you have to press hard, feeling as stiff as a rock, and the braking distance may increase, making it hard to stop. Possible causes include a vacuum hose leak, booster pump failure, or insufficient brake fluid leading to inadequate pressure. This is quite dangerous, especially on highways. If you encounter traffic jams or sharp turns, you might not react in time. I recommend pulling over immediately, turning off the engine, and checking the brake fluid reservoir level to see if it's low. If the level is normal, it's best not to tamper with it and call for a tow truck to take it to a professional shop for inspection. Don't try to save money by ignoring minor issues that could lead to major accidents.
Last time I encountered this situation, the brake pedal was as hard as stepping on an iron plate, and the car couldn't stop properly, sliding for a distance. Upon careful reflection, it might be a problem with the vacuum booster, which is responsible for utilizing the engine's vacuum to reduce pedal effort. Additionally, a seized master cylinder piston or aged/deteriorated brake fluid can also make the pedal feel extremely hard. In daily use, be aware that frequent short-distance driving can cause moisture buildup in the booster, leading to internal rust and failure. Once I notice something wrong, I immediately slow down, pull over, turn off the engine and wait a few minutes before trying again. If it still doesn't work, I seek help from a repair shop. Don't delay, because this not only consumes more fuel but also endangers lives. Spending a small amount on repairs is always better than causing an accident.
