Why does the Cruze's brake suddenly become hard and difficult to press?
3 Answers
The Cruze's brake suddenly becoming hard and difficult to press is due to a failure in the vacuum booster pump, which needs to be replaced immediately. Below is a partial introduction about the automotive braking system: 1. The braking system of a car is crucial as it affects the vehicle's driving stability and safety. 2. The main components of the braking system include the vacuum booster pump, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, brake pads, and brake discs. 3. The vacuum booster pump provides assistance; after the driver presses the brake pedal, the vacuum booster pump can offer assistance, making it easier for the driver to press the brake pedal. 4. After pressing the brake pedal, the master cylinder pushes the wheel cylinder through brake fluid, and the wheel cylinder can then push the brake pads to clamp the brake discs, thereby slowing down the vehicle.
The other day when I was driving my Cruze, suddenly the brake pedal became extremely stiff and wouldn't budge, which really panicked me. The mechanic said the most common causes are either a vacuum booster leak (where the engine isn't creating enough vacuum to assist braking) or brake fluid leakage leading to insufficient system pressure. If the engine stalled and restarted, the vacuum pump might have temporarily malfunctioned. If you encounter this situation, absolutely don't force the car to keep moving - find a safe spot to pull over slowly, turn on the hazard lights, and never attempt high-speed driving. It's recommended to regularly check brake fluid levels and vacuum hoses to prevent issues caused by aging or cracks. Brakes are literally life-and-death - small problems can escalate into disasters, so get it fixed at a professional repair shop immediately.
Sudden brake stiffness is often caused by a vacuum system failure. The vacuum booster or vacuum lines in your Cruze may be leaking, reducing the assist effect and forcing you to apply excessive pedal pressure. Another common cause is insufficient or leaking brake fluid, leading to decreased system pressure and sticking. During inspection, first check for cracks at the vacuum pump and line connections, and whether the brake fluid reservoir is empty. In severe cases, brakes may fail completely, posing high danger. If encountering this while driving, immediately downshift to slow down, pull over safely, and call for a tow truck. Do not attempt DIY repairs—only professionals with diagnostic tools can accurately identify and fix the issue. Regular brake maintenance is key to prevention.
