Having a hard brake pedal can make it difficult to slow down or stop your vehicle, making it feel like you're standing on the pedal. A stiff brake pedal is a severe safety problem that should be fixed immediately since it makes it more difficult to slow down your vehicle.

What causes the brake pedal to be stiff?

Stiff braking is usually caused by an issue with the brake booster. Brake boosters increase the amount of force you can apply to your brake pedal, and they work in conjunction with the hydraulic fluid in the lines.

A diaphragm separates the two chambers of a typical vacuum brake booster, which is situated between the master cylinder and the brake pedal. A low-pressure vacuum is created in the front chamber by removing air. Pressing the brake pedal in the back chamber allows air to enter.

The air chamber's higher pressure forces the diaphragm and push rod toward the low-pressure side. The master cylinder's power-assisted push rod makes it easy to move. The master cylinder pumps braking fluid into the rear drum brakes or calipers to slow the car. This fluid goes to brake calipers or wheel-cylinder brake calipers.

Reasons why a car's brakes might feel stiff;



Sludge in the brake lines

Your hard pedal may be caused by sludge in your brake lines if you've checked your booster and determined that it isn't responsible. Moisture can enter a vehicle's brake system through direct contact with the air. When water is present, sludge forms, which restricts the flow of brake fluid and makes the pedal feel tight.

Seized Caliper

A vehicle's braking system would be incomplete without the calipers. When you try to come to a halt, they're primarily responsible for pushing the brake pads against the rotor. Brake calipers and the screws that connect them can get jammed, making it difficult to engage and properly place your brake pads.

Cracked Vacuum Hose

Your car's brake booster is connected to the engine by a vacuum hose, which draws air to create a vacuum. A damaged vacuum hose is frequently to blame for the loss of vacuum that results in a firm brake pedal. This is because rubber vacuum hoses break and dry rot over time.

Bring your car in for brake service today!