7 Common Causes of a Soft Brake Pedal
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Have Your Car Checked by a Professional Right Away If Your Brake Pedal Feels Spongy
Your car’s brake system is one of the most important components you need to pay special attention to. Your brakes are essential in keeping you safe on the road.
A key part of the brake system is the brake pedal. It is what you press with your foot to make your car go slow or stop.
Drivers complain that their brake pedals sometimes feel soft or spongy. If you experience this in your vehicle, it means there’s something wrong with your brake system, which could jeopardize your safety.
You need to visit your mechanic right away to determine the problem and fix it.
Here are seven possible causes of a soft brake pedal:
- There’s air in the brake lines.
When the air gets into the brake lines, it can hamper the flow of the brake fluid. To get rid of the air, you need to change the brake fluid or flush it.
- The brake lines may be damaged.
The steel tubing used on brake lines may have been corroded by rust. This can create small holes that cause the brake fluid to leak. Insufficient brake fluid leads to loss of hydraulic pressure, making your brake pedal feel soft.
- There’s a leak in the disc brake calipers.
Disc brake calipers clamp the brake pad down against the rotors to stop or slow the vehicle. They can be corroded by rust over time. When this happens, the internal piston seal can leak brake fluid, causing a soft brake pedal.
- The master cylinder is worn out.
The master cylinder is the most important part of the brake system since it holds the brake fluid, generates hydraulic pressure, and feeds the fluid to the front and rear brakes. When the master cylinder wears out and develops leaks, it causes loss of hydraulic pressure, causing the brake pedal to soften.
- There’s a leak in the wheel cylinders.
Corrosion inside that wheel cylinder can cause brake fluid to leak, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure and leading to a low or spongy brake pedal.
- Brake shoes need adjustments.
Brake shoes carry the brake lining inside the brake drum systems. When they wear out, it can make the brake pedal feel soft. This can be fixed by adjusting the brake shoes.
- ABS hydraulic assembly is malfunctioning.
The ABS hydraulic assembly contains solenoids and valves that fail when corrosion and debris in the brake fluid affect the valve’s operation. When this happens, the brake pedal becomes spongy.
The Best Way to Dispose of a Problematic Car
If your car has a faulty brake system and other serious mechanical issues, if you think that having them repaired would just be a waste of money since it can’t guarantee that the issues won’t recur, then your best recourse is to give up that vehicle.
Don’t worry, it won’t be a total loss for you. You can still put that sedan to good use by donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to uplift the lives of the struggling disadvantaged residents of your community while giving you all the rewards you deserve for your participation in our charitable donation program.
Our team will put your vehicle up for auction and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged U.S. citizens — those who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as having prison records or a welfare mindset.
Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other essential support services.
Expect to be sufficiently rewarded for your charitable contribution. We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free anywhere in the United States. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
Moreover, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be contributing to the growth and development of your community by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.
We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that are no longer in good condition
To find out the details of our vehicle donation process, and other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. Questions? Call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.
Use Your Unwanted Car to Make a Difference Today!
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Reach out to the disadvantaged men and women in your community. Your car donation will make a difference in their lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: October 13th, 2023