From a driver's point of view, nothing is worse than an inconsistent or soft brake pedal. One minute everything may appear to be okay, but the next the vehicle may seem to pull to one side, emit a strange noise or simply fail to stop in the expected distance. In this case, you will need to look more closely at your vehicle, and the first place to turn to is the brake fluid container. What should you do to try and get to the bottom of this issue as soon as possible?
Low Fluid Levels
The brake fluid level should be relatively consistent, and you shouldn't need to top it up too often. The system has to be airtight, however, so that the fluid is as pure as possible. If the liquid is below the indicated level on the pot, it's a sign of a leak.
Tell-Tale Signs
Have a close look underneath the car once it has been stationary for a while, and see if you can see any evidence of a leak. If the pipes that connect the system appear to be okay, then you should undoubtedly focus your attention on the callipers. Take a close look at each wheel in turn, and rub your finger along the bottom of the brake calliper itself. If you notice any liquid residue, then it would appear that the rubber seals may be faulty, and you will need to replace them as soon as possible.
When Things Go Wrong
When you put your foot on the pedal, the hydraulic fluid will press against the piston, pushing it forward and deploying the pads. These pads will rub against the rotary disc, and as they do so, they will help to decelerate the car. A set of rubber seals will hold back the hydraulic fluid when the piston is in its forward position, but as time goes by, the seals may degrade and will not be able to function correctly. When this happens, a certain amount of fluid will be lost each time that you press the pedal. Furthermore, the fluid may leak onto the surface of the pad, and this may cause an unusual noise or make the vehicle pull to one side or the other.
Further Action
You will likely need to take the vehicle to a mechanic for brake repairs. They will need to disassemble each calliper, replace the seals and reset the piston before you can get back to normal.
Share13 January 2020
Cars are wonderful things. Unfortunately, they also have lots of technology and moving parts which can go wrong if they are not properly cared for. We hope that this blog will give you all of the info you need to service your car. We will be looking at subjects such as how to change the oil in an engine, how to replace a worn brake pad, and how to check the electrical systems on your vehicle. Everything you read on this page has been written by keen amateurs who have a really big passion for servicing their autos. We hope you love what you find here.
