What happens when the brake wheel cylinder fails?
2 Answers
When the brake wheel cylinder of a car fails, there will be oil leakage at the connection between the wheel cylinder and the oil pipe. The brake pedal will feel soft when pressed, and the steering wheel will noticeably pull to one side after pressing the brake pedal. This situation is likely due to uneven brake pad wear or a malfunctioning wheel cylinder. After pressing the brake pedal, the pedal does not rise and lacks resistance, commonly referred to as the brake not returning. Related introduction: 1. Brake pad failure: The brake pads are worn out or their friction coefficient decreases due to overheating. Since the brake pads are the terminal executors of braking, their absence naturally leads to brake failure. On long downhill sections, prolonged braking can cause the surface to overheat, significantly reducing the friction coefficient and preventing the generation of sufficient friction force, resulting in brake failure. 2. Brake fluid leakage: Brake fluid is the force transmitter. Without brake fluid, force cannot be transmitted, and braking becomes impossible. Brake fluid leakage is uncommon because the pipes are not easily ruptured. However, a small section of the pipe near the brake wheel cylinder is made of rubber, so leaks often occur here due to rubber aging or external force-induced rupture.
I've been driving for decades and have experienced a situation where the brake caliper failed. At that time, I felt the brake pedal became soft, and the car would noticeably pull to one side when slowing down, as if someone was tugging the steering wheel. In severe cases, the entire braking system failed, especially during rainy days or on highways, nearly causing an accident. After inspection, it was found that brake fluid was leaking, there were oil stains on the wheel rim, one side of the brake pads was completely worn out, and the wheel was hot. This indicates internal oil leakage in the caliper or a stuck piston. If not repaired in time, the braking distance would significantly increase, and the wheel could even lock up or catch fire. Safety is the top priority. I suggest stopping the car immediately upon noticing any abnormalities and towing it to a professional shop to replace the caliper and brake pads. Don’t skimp on these costs, and always pay attention to the condition of the braking system during regular maintenance.
