Why does the brake become hard and difficult to press down?
2 Answers
The reasons why the brake suddenly becomes hard and difficult to press down: 1. Hydraulic brake system: When the engine is turned off, the hydraulic pump that drives the hydraulic brake is not working, causing a sharp increase in brake damping, which is reflected on the pedal as it becoming very heavy and hard. 2. Brake: Also known as braking, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of moving locomotives, vehicles, other transportation tools, or machinery. 3. Principle of braking: A wheel or disc is fixed on the high-speed shaft of the machine, and a brake shoe, belt, or disc that matches it is installed on the machine base, which generates a braking torque under external force. The brake device is a mechanical braking device that can slow down the speed, also known as a decelerator.
Last week while driving, I experienced a sudden brake pedal stiffness that was nearly impossible to depress, which almost caused an accident. Experience tells me this likely stems from a vacuum booster issue. The braking system relies on vacuum assistance to allow easy brake pedal application. If the engine stalls or there's a vacuum hose leak, the vacuum is lost and assistance fails, making the brake pedal extremely hard to press. I immediately pulled over in the city to inspect and indeed found a small crack in the hose. I recommend everyone stay vigilant - regularly check brake fluid levels and hose conditions, especially in older vehicles which are more prone to such failures. Address issues promptly to prevent worse outcomes, as safety should always come first.
