Why My Brake Pedal Doesn't Engage Or Depress

Your car's brake pedal doesn't engage or depress when you press it. There are a couple of possible reasons for this, including a broken vacuum hose or an internal leak in the master cylinder. To find out what is causing your brake pedal to depress or push back, check the brake booster and master cylinder.

Rear drum brakes

If your rear drum brakes are leaking, it is time to replace them. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you can learn how to replace these brakes. The procedure is very similar to that of rear disk brakes. You will need to remove the shoes from the rear brakes and clean them using a spray-based cleaner. Be sure to collect the drippings in a metal pan so you can dispose of them properly.

Broken vacuum hose

A broken vacuum hose on your brake pedal can make the pedal difficult to push. The hose connects the engine to the brake booster, creating a vacuum. As the air is drawn from the hose, it can begin to leak. This will cause the brake pedal to hiss and be difficult to push. If you notice this noise, it's likely your hose is broken. Replace the hose with a factory-original part if possible.

Internal leakage in the master cylinder

If you have experienced a slow, soft or spongy brake pedal, you may have an internal leak in the brake master cylinder. The master cylinder generates all of the brake pressure on your vehicle. When the master cylinder starts to leak, the brake pedal will become spongy and sink toward the floor. In severe cases, it can cause your brakes to lose their stopping power.

Misaligned brake system

If you are experiencing a pulling or wobbling sensation while driving your car, you may have a misaligned brake system. This may be caused by the rotor not being aligned with the wheel, or a buildup or rust in the callipers. Either way, the braking system is not working properly, and this can have serious consequences for the car and driver.

Sediment in brake pads

Sediment in brake pads is caused by an uneven distribution of friction materials. The friction material is a mix of silicon and iron that is dissolved in a solution. The mixture is also interspersed with carbon particles. When the brake pads are heated, the inclusions in the matrix form carbides. These deposits cause the brake disk to become hotter than the surrounding metal. The leading edge of these deposits rotates and comes into contact with the pad. As a result, the local temperature increases. Over time, this uneven deposit transforms into cementite, a very hard and abrasive material that does not provide any cooling function.

Worn caliper pins

If you notice a corroded or worn caliper pin on your brake pedal, you may need to replace the caliper. Aside from a replacement of the caliper, you may also need to replace the guide pins. These pins are crucial in securing the caliper. If one is worn out, the caliper will not retract properly and may become difficult to remove.

Incorrectly installed brake pads

Brakes are among the most important safety features on a car, so it's very important to know how to install them properly. Even small mistakes can compromise the safety of the driver and passengers. Luckily, there are a few easy tips to avoid making these mistakes.

Overheated brake fluid

When your brake fluid is too hot, you might feel a spongy pedal. This happens because brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means that it attracts water and has a lower boiling point than air. This causes air bubbles to form in the brake system, which will reduce the braking power of your vehicle. This can also weaken the rubber seals in the brake calipers. The solution to this problem is to bleed your brake system.