What is the problem with soft brakes?
2 Answers
The causes of soft brakes are: 1. Air in the system; 2. Excessive free play; 3. Poor quality brake fluid with low boiling point, generating bubbles during braking; 4. Poor sealing or pressure leakage in the master cylinder or wheel cylinder; 5. Chemical reaction between different brands or types of brake fluids. The solutions for soft brakes are: 1. Check if the brake pads are excessively worn or contaminated with oil; 2. Check if the brake fluid level is sufficient; 3. Inspect the master cylinder and wheel cylinders for internal leaks; 4. Verify if the push rod between the brake pedal and master cylinder is adjusted too short.
I've been driving for over a decade, and when I encounter a spongy feeling when pressing the brake pedal, the most common cause is air in the hydraulic system. This could be due to incomplete bleeding during the last maintenance or low brake fluid levels caused by a leak. Air in the system makes the brake pedal feel like stepping on a sponge, significantly reducing braking power and greatly increasing stopping distance during emergency braking, which is extremely dangerous at high speeds. I've personally experienced sudden brake sponginess on a rainy day and nearly had an accident. I recommend immediately checking the brake fluid reservoir level under the hood and topping it up with the appropriate brake fluid if it's low. If air is the issue, don't attempt to fix it yourself—take it to a professional shop to bleed the system and avoid damaging it. As a side note, worn-out brake pads can also make the pedal feel soft, often accompanied by squeaking sounds, and should be replaced promptly. Never overlook routine maintenance; checking the fluid level monthly can prevent problems before they occur.
