Brake Repair Tips: Dealing with Mushy Brakes

Nov 29
10:01

2011

Aloysius Aucoin

Aloysius Aucoin

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Mushy brakes can cause a lot of concern when you are on the road. These brake repair tips will help you troubleshoot this common problem.

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Mushy brakes,Brake Repair Tips: Dealing with Mushy Brakes Articles which are brakes that do not effectively stop the car when you stomp on the pedal, can leave you feeling quite vulnerable when you are trying to stop your vehicle. This can be a difficult problem to diagnose. Your best bet is to go to a brake repair specialist to ensure that you find the true source of the problem. If this is not possible, there are a few things you can trouble shoot on your own.

One potential cause of this problem is low fluid levels for your brakes. To check this, open the hood and find the master cylinder. Check the fluid level inside the master cylinder. Add fluid if it is needed, then recheck the brakes. This is a very easy brake repair task most car owners can handle, so you might want to rule it out before paying for professional help. 

Air in the lines can also cause this problem. To check this, you will need a fried pump. Then, pump the brakes until you feel the pedal becoming firm. Hold the pedal and open the bleeder valve. If you notice air coming out, allow the valve to bleed completely, and repeat the process on all four valves. 

Fluid leaks can also cause mushy brakes. Common places for leaks include behind the master cylinder, in the lines, and underneath the vehicle. If you find a leak, then you have likely found the cause of your mushy brakes. Fix it if you can, or take it into the brake repair shop to have it serviced.

Calipers can also leak. If you find a leak in a caliper, you will need to replace it or have it rebuilt. That is the only way to fix this particular problem. Similarly, you should check the cylinders for leaks, and replace them if they are leaking. You will have to remove the rear wheels, drums, and dust boots to check the cylinders. 

Worn out braking pads or shoes can be yet another cause for this problem. These have to be visually inspected. You will need to remove each wheel and inspect the pads or shoes. If you notice that they are worn out, replace them and see if you have fixed your mushy brakes.

A final check you can do at home is checking the proportioning valve for proper distribution. This can be a bit challenging, so only try it if you are skilled at working with vehicles. To begin, open all four of the bleeder valves, placing a container by them to catch the fluid. Press the pedal until it is to the floor, but do it slowly. If one of the containers of fluid has much less fluid than the other, you will need to replace the valve. 

In many cases, brake repair is best left to the professionals. There are times, however, when you can trouble shoot things on your own, even when dealing with the brakes. Just make sure you are certain that you know what you are doing before you start working on this crucial component.