Some cars come equipped with disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. Both failures will cause a loss in hydraulic pressure to the brakes which results in the brake pedal failing and going to the floor. There are two types of master cylinder leaks: an external brake fluid leak and an internal leak from a damaged piston seal. Unfortunately, the master cylinder can wear out and develop leaks.
Worn master cylinderĪs the heart of the brake system, the master cylinder performs a number of important functions: it holds the brake fluid, generates hydraulic pressure, and feeds it to the front and rear brakes. A brake pull may also be experienced if the fluid pressure is reduced at a caliper. If the caliper is leaking, it can cause the brake pedal to be extremely low or go to the floor. Like brake lines, disc brake calipers (the component that clamps the brake pad down against the rotors to slow or stop the vehicle) can also become corroded with rust causing the internal piston seal to leak brake fluid. The loss of brake fluid leads to a loss of hydraulic pressure, so the brake pedal will feel soft or low and go to the floor. Over time, rust can cause small holes to develop, allowing brake fluid to leak out. Since brake lines are made of steel tubing, they can become corroded by rust.
Clean, fresh fluid protects and preserves other brake components such as the master cylinder and ABS (anti-lock brake system) for long, trouble-free operation. Flushing the brake fluid prevents old fluid from boiling, which can cause a low brake pedal. (Bleeding the brakes uses fluid to push air out of the brake system.) Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture. Flushing the brake fluid, commonly called bleeding the brakes, gets rid of the air. If the brakes are soft or spongy, this is a good time to change or flush the brake fluid. If air gets into the brake lines, it can prevent brake fluid from flowing properly, causing the brake pedal to feel spongy or soft. Air in the brake line(s)Īir in the brake line(s) is the most common cause of a soft/spongy brake pedal. They might identify one or more of the following causes that require maintenance. If you experience either of these situations, be sure to have your vehicle immediately inspected by your trusted mechanic.
There are a number of reasons that could cause your brakes to feel spongy or the brake pedal to travel closer to the floor than usual.
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