What does the brake vacuum pump do?
The brake booster vacuum pump supplies the vacuum required for the power brake booster to work. If it fails or has a problem, the vehicle will be left without assisted braking. Without the brake booster, the brake pedal will be stiff and will require considerably more effort to stop the vehicle.
Why are there no brakes on a diesel?
Diesels provide little engine braking unless they are fitted with either an internal or an external device that uses the pumping action of the engine to do work. In either case, such devices on diesel engines are intended to create a pumping resistance that results in engine braking.
What causes a diesel truck to lose power?
Diesel particulates in the exhaust are trapped by the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Regeneration is the method by which exhaust temperatures are increased so the particulates are expelled. This can be a major source of loss of power and fuel economy.
What should I do if my Ford truck is losing power?
Depending on whether your truck is gas or diesel, the procedures vary slightly. The truck’s on board ECU (computer) can tell you what problems are being recorded, especially if they are related to emissions or misfires. Use an OBD scanner to scan the codes. Alternatively, some auto supply stores scan vehicle codes for free. Figure 1.
What does it mean when your front brake is not working?
Brake Pull: Uneven braking means that you have one front brake on your Chevy that is not operating properly. Your brakes pull to the good side. This can be due to oil, grease or fluid on a pad, a caliper that is stuck, brake line blockage, or wheel bearings that are loose.
How do you know if your Chevy has a brake problem?
You will find the booster between the master cylinder and the firewall in your engine compartment. A check valve that is faulty can also let vacuum bleed out. You can diagnose this by starting your Chevy in order to build vacuum, and then turning it off for four or five minutes. Then you should try the brakes.
What causes a soft brake pedal on a Chevy?
Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: Too much air in the system due to improper bleeding is usually the cause of this problem. However, it can also be due to fluid loss or a low fluid level. Bleed the brake lines as recommended by Chevy to fix this. You could also have a ballooning brake hose when the brakes are applied.
What causes brake fluid to go down in a Chevy?
Even with proper maintenance, you may find yourself with an unexpected brake problem — here are some of the most common examples. Low Brake Fluid: Your Chevy may develop a leak in the system that will result in the fluid level going down.