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At Bunge's Tire & Auto, we provide a variety of automotive services, including brake repairs. There are many reasons a customer might visit us for a brake service. Often, it's to replace wear-and-tear parts, like rotors and pads, or to change the brake fluid. Other times, there's a concern with the vehicle's ability to stop caused by an unknown source. Today, we're taking a look at one of the issues you might experience with your automotive brake system and discussing why it happens. The issue for this article involves the brake pedal and why you might suddenly find yourself having to push the brake pedal to the floor in order to get your vehicle to slow down or stop.

The Issue: The Brake Pedal isn't Responsive Like It Should Be

If you've recently noticed that your vehicle's brake pedal requires an excessive amount of travel—almost to the floor—before it effectively slows or stops the car, it's important to address this issue promptly. Several factors can contribute to this symptom, such as air in the brake lines, a failing master cylinder, or other worn brake components.

The Causes

Air in the Brake Lines

One of the most common reasons for a spongy or low brake pedal is the presence of air in the brake lines. When air enters the hydraulic system, it can compress more easily than brake fluid, leading to a significant reduction in braking efficiency. This can occur after brake maintenance or if there is a leak in the system. Bleeding the brakes—a process that removes air from the brake lines—can restore proper pedal feel and function. If you suspect air is trapped, it’s crucial to bleed the brakes correctly to ensure all air bubbles are expelled.

Failing Master Cylinder

The master cylinder is a vital component of the braking system that converts the force from your foot on the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure. If the master cylinder is failing or has internal leaks, it may not generate enough pressure to activate the brakes effectively. Symptoms of a failing or bad master cylinder include a spongy or soft brake pedal that feels less responsive, a brake pedal that sinks to the floor when applied, and a warning light on the dashboard indicating brake issues. You may also notice fluid leaks around the master cylinder or a decrease in braking power, leading to longer stopping distances. Additionally, uneven braking performance can indicate master cylinder problems.

Other Causes

Other potential causes for excessive brake pedal travel include:
Brake Fluid Leaks: Leaks in the brake lines or at the calipers can reduce fluid pressure.
Faulty Brake Calipers: Sticking or malfunctioning calipers can affect braking performance.
Old or Contaminated Brake Fluid: Degraded fluid can cause poor hydraulic performance.
Misadjusted Brake Components: Issues with the brake linkage or adjustments can affect pedal feel.

If you're experiencing excessive brake pedal travel that causes you to push the pedal almost to the floor in order to stop your vehicle, contact Bunge's Tire & Auto. We provide brake repair in Elgin, Illinois. We will get to the bottom of the issue and provide the repairs you need to keep your brake system in top condition.