What Is the Purpose of My Soft Brake Pedal? Solutions and Causes

If you own a car and drive it frequently, you've probably encountered a soft brake pedal at some point. This can be aggravating and dangerous, especially if you are driving and need to stop quickly. It could be something minor, or the brake pads will need to be replaced during a  car service in Reading. However, if your brake pedal is soft, there could be more serious problems with your vehicle.

Knowing the possible causes and available solutions for spongy brakes will give you confidence and direction the next time the problem arises.

What Are the Symptoms of a Soft Brake Pedal?

A spongy brake pedal could be caused by a variety of factors. Here is a list of the most common causes of this problem, as well as what you can do about it:

1.     There are problems with the brake line 

      Damaged brake lines can cause the pedal to feel spongy when pressed. This means your vehicle is constantly attempting to pump fluid through a faulty line. Because there isn't enough fluid, the hydraulic pressure drops, resulting in a sloppy brake pedal. If rust has formed holes in your brake system or corrosion has eaten away at the metal of the pipe. Replace all rusted pipes right away because they could fail soon. In fact, if you notice any rusty spots forming around these parts, address the issue as soon as possible. Taking early action may save you from having to replace all of your pipes.

2.     Rust in the disc brake callipers 

      The disc brake calliper is the part of your car that squeezes the brake pads against the discs to stop it. When braking, you may notice a soft or spongy sensation, which could indicate corroded disc brake callipers. Fluid leaking from damaged piston seals on the inside of your rear brake callipers can cause them to feel soft when braking. There will be wet spots near the outside edge of the pavement where oil has dripped onto the pavement if there is a leak. If it's simply a worn-out seal, replacing it will solve the problem. However, if rust sets in and damages the callipers, don't put off getting replacements for too long.

3.     Worn master cylinder

      A worn master cylinder can result in a soft brake pedal. Because a car's braking system is hydraulic, the braking power in your foot must travel through cables and hoses before reaching the brakes. The master cylinder pressurises the brake fluid, causing hydraulic pressure to be generated to the front and rear brakes. As a result, when you press the pedals, they come to a complete stop. If a vehicle's master cylinder begins to wear out, it may be unable to deliver enough pressure for hard braking. This will eventually result in a soft pedal feel or a complete lack of brake resistance (brake failure). When there is a problem with the master cylinder, there will be an internal or external brake fluid leak caused by a faulty piston seal. In this case, schedule a service appointment with an experienced technician. An expert must perform a proper diagnosis.

4.     Rusted and leaking wheel cylinders 

      Keep an eye out for a leaking wheel cylinder. If your vehicle has drum brakes on the rear wheels, wheel cylinder pistons and brake shoes should be located inside the drum. The pistons press the shoes against the drum, allowing the brake pedal to function. Corrosion can cause holes and cracks in wheel cylinders. When brake fluid leaks through a hole, hydraulic pressure cannot build up, resulting in a soft brake pedal.

5.     Worn-out rear brake shoes

       In the case of drum brakes, the rear brake shoes must make contact with the metal "brake drum" in order for the brake pedal to slow the wheel. When the brake shoes wear out or break, the gap between them becomes too large. They no longer make contact with the drum surface, resulting in a softer braking feel. If it's an adjustment issue, you can fix it by occasionally applying the parking brake. When the parking brake is engaged, the brake shoes are automatically adjusted. Contact a mechanic if the shoes are damaged.

6.     ABS hydraulic assembly failure 

      An ABS system includes an ABS modulator, which is made up of several solenoids and valves. A corroded component or the failure of an internal part may cause one or more valves to fail. Sludge in the brake fluid can also prevent a valve from functioning properly, resulting in a loose pedal. It's a simple fix. Bring your vehicle to a reputable garage for a thorough examination of all ABS components, including lines, valves, and pumps. They'll be able to spot any issues quickly.

Bleeding the brakes

After bleeding the brakes, you may notice a soft brake pedal. During the bleeding process, air can become trapped within the hydraulic brake fluid system, particularly in the brake line, causing the pedal to feel spongy when pressed. Replacing brake lines or hoses can also allow air to enter the system. To resolve this issue, you must flush the brake fluid from the system or bleed the system using the vacuum method. Clean and fresh brake fluid protects various components in the braking system and ensures that all parts operate smoothly for a long time.