What is the problem with hard brakes?
3 Answers
Hard brakes in a car could be due to a lack of necessary maintenance of the brake system, excessive impurities in the brake master cylinder, poor sealing, failure of the vacuum booster, dirty brake fluid or the formation of vapor lock after mixing several types of brake fluid and heating up, leakage in the brake master cylinder or wheel cylinder, or air leakage in the air reservoir or pipeline connections. Below is an introduction to car brakes: Principles of car brakes: Drum brakes. Drum braking is a traditional braking method, consisting of a brake oil pump, pistons, brake pads, and a drum chamber. During braking, high-pressure brake fluid from the brake wheel cylinder pushes the pistons, applying force to the two crescent-shaped brake shoes, pressing them against the inner wall of the drum chamber, using friction to stop the brake drum from rotating and thus achieving the braking effect. Disc brakes. Disc brakes can be divided into two types: caliper disc brakes and full disc brakes. Components of the car brake system: Energy supply device. Includes components that supply and regulate the energy required for braking and improve the energy transmission medium. Control device. Includes components that generate braking actions and control braking effects. Transmission device. Includes components that transmit braking energy to the brakes, such as the brake master cylinder and brake wheel cylinder. Brake. Components that generate forces (braking forces) to resist vehicle movement or the tendency to move, also including deceleration devices in auxiliary braking systems.
In my driving experience, hard brakes are a common annoyance, often related to brake booster system failures, such as aging vacuum boosters or leaks in the vacuum lines. I remember once on the highway, the brakes suddenly became unresponsive, nearly causing an accident. Later inspection revealed a cracked vacuum line leading to insufficient pressure. Similar situations include brake fluid leaks or air entering the braking system, all of which make the pedal hard and reduce braking effectiveness. Don’t underestimate this issue—it indicates system unreliability, and extended braking distances at high speeds can easily lead to accidents. I recommend stopping and checking immediately if you encounter this problem to avoid continuing to drive. During routine maintenance, remind technicians to focus on the booster pump and line seals, and pay extra attention to maintenance details during seasonal changes. Prevention is key and can save a lot of trouble.
As a safety-conscious driver, hard brakes are my most alarming warning sign, as they directly impair braking performance and increase the risk of rear-end collisions. The cause often lies in a damaged vacuum booster or pipeline leakage—for instance, unstable engine idling leading to insufficient vacuum. In an emergency, immediately turn on hazard lights and slow down to pull over, never force yourself to keep driving. After stopping, briefly test the pedal feel; if it remains stiff and rough, it indicates a serious issue. For safety, it's best to call a tow truck for professional inspection. After all, the braking system is directly related to lives and must not be neglected. Maintain system cleanliness during regular use to avoid dust buildup. Remember, early intervention can prevent greater losses.
