How Do You Fix Brake Pedal That Goes to the Floor?
Now that you know the most common reasons why your brake pedal is pushed all the way to the floor, you probably want to know how to diagnose and fix this problem. Let’s get started.
1. Look for external leaks: Check every area under your car for signs of brake fluid leaks. Inspect brake lines, hoses and calipers. The most common cause of leaks is rust in the brake lines, but leaks can also occur due to deterioration of the rubber seals on the brake caliper pistons. Replace leaking parts.
2. Check the brake fluid level: Check the brake fluid level in the engine compartment reservoir and top up to maximum level if necessary. If the fluid level is very low, you may have air in your brake system and need to bleed it.
3. Bleeding the Brake System: The next step is to bleed the brake system to get all the air out. This video will give you the complete steps to bleed your brake system at home.
4. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the brake booster. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the brake booster and try depressing the brake pedal again. If the problem persists, the brake master cylinder may be faulty.
5. Inspect or replace the master cylinder. Remove the master cylinder and inspect it for signs of seal damage. Most master cylinders do not have seals available for purchase separately, so the master cylinder will need to be replaced.
6. Check or replace the brake booster: The final step is to check the brake booster and replace it if anything looks suspicious.
Why does the brake pedal go down to the floor when I start my car?The most common causes of the brake pedal going down to the floor when I start my car are a brake fluid leak, a faulty master cylinder, or a faulty brake booster.
How do I know if my master brake cylinder is defective?
The easiest way to determine if your master cylinder is faulty is to disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose. If the pedal still won’t budge, it’s most likely due to a fluid leak, air in the system, or a faulty master cylinder. The only way to know for sure is to visually inspect the seals inside.
How do I know if my brake booster or master cylinder is faulty? Disconnect the vacuum hose from the brake booster. If the problem goes away when you press the brake pedal hard, the brake booster is most likely defective. However, if the problem persists, the brake master cylinder is most likely defective.
Why does my brake pedal go all the way down to the floor after bleeding? This can happen if you didn’t follow the steps correctly.
