What is the reason for the brakes not stopping when fully depressed and feeling soft?
2 Answers
If the brakes do not stop when fully depressed and feel soft, this situation may be caused by a lack of brake fluid in the braking system, or there may be air in the brake system lines. It is recommended to check the brake fluid when this occurs. The braking system is crucial for the driving stability and safety of the vehicle. Here is some additional information: Components: The main components of the braking system include the vacuum booster, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, brake pads, and brake discs. Regular replacement: Brake pads and brake discs are wear parts that need to be replaced periodically. As the vehicle's mileage increases, the brake pads and brake discs will wear out. When they are worn to a certain extent, they need to be replaced. Vacuum booster: The vacuum booster provides assistance, making it easier for the driver to depress the brake pedal. When the brake pedal is depressed, the master cylinder can push the wheel cylinder through the brake fluid, and the wheel cylinder can then push the brake pads to clamp the brake disc. This allows the vehicle to decelerate.
A few days ago, I encountered a similar situation where the car wasn't speeding, but the brake pedal felt weak, like stepping on cotton. After checking, I realized it might be due to air entering the brake system, requiring a bleeding procedure. Additionally, insufficient or deteriorated brake fluid can also make the pedal feel spongy, so it's best to first check the fluid reservoir level. If the brake pads are worn too thin or there's an issue with the brake discs, the braking performance will degrade. In my case, it turned out to be a slight leak in the brake hose, and replacing the hose fixed the problem. I recommend not attempting DIY fixes and instead promptly visiting a professional shop for a comprehensive inspection, especially checking the working condition of the master cylinder and wheel cylinders, as this directly relates to driving safety.