What does it mean when your brake pedal sinks?
If your brake pedal sinks towards the floor when you are stopped, while your foot is on the brake, or does not feel as firm when the brakes are applied, this could indicate you are having some sort of trouble with your brakes. There are two different kinds of brake systems: disc or drum brakes.
Can a brake fluid leak cause brake fluid to sink?
This will NOT cause a loss of brake fluid. The brake pedal will slowly sink as fluid bypasses the seal. If we pump the brake pedal, the height may temporarily come back up. Holding steady pressure on the pedal will cause it again to sink.
Can a brake pedal be pushed to the floor?
The brake pedal should never be pushed to the floor when bleeding brakes or with the lines open. Placing a block of wood under the pedal limits the travel and can help prevent this damage.
Why is my brake pedal still low after block off?
Using the block off method, described in part one, we can test for a master cylinder problem. With all wheels blocked off, if the brake pedal is still low, the brake master cylinder is often the cause. This can also be misleading, as the hydraulic control unit of the ABS system can also cause the same symptom.
What causes the brake pedal to sink in a car?
If the seals on the master cylinder pistons leak, fluid will flow passed and back to the reservoir. This will NOT cause a loss of brake fluid. The brake pedal will slowly sink as fluid bypasses the seal. If we pump the brake pedal, the height may temporarily come back up. Holding steady pressure on the pedal will cause it again to sink.
What should I do if my brake pedal is so hard to push?
Open the bleed valve about a half turn, and have your partner depress the brake pedal. Once the flow of fluid slows, close the valve. Have your partner pump the brake pedal, and then repeat the process.
This will NOT cause a loss of brake fluid. The brake pedal will slowly sink as fluid bypasses the seal. If we pump the brake pedal, the height may temporarily come back up. Holding steady pressure on the pedal will cause it again to sink.
Where does the brake pedal start on a car?
Place a drain pan under the right rear wheel. The general rule is to start at the brake farthest from the master cylinder (right rear), and then work your way closer, ending with the left front. Open the bleed valve about a half turn, and have your partner depress the brake pedal.