Why Does My Brake Pedal Go to the Floor?
If your brake pedal is sinking to the floor most likely you have an issue with your brake fluid. The braking system on most modern vehicles works by a hydraulic system. A hydraulic brake system is filled with fluid. When you apply the brake pedal the fluid travels through both the brake master cylinder and slave cylinder forcing pistons to apply the brakes.
3 Reasons Why Your Brake Pedal May Be Going To The Floor
1. YOU HAVE AIR IN THE BRAKE LINES
Remember, our brake system works under pressure and air doesn’t provide any resistance. So, if there are air pockets in the braking system it may cause your brake pedal to slowly sink to the floor.
2. YOU HAVE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK
If the braking system works by compressing fluid and there isn’t enough fluid in the system, you will experience a spongy pedal or worst case a brake pedal that sinks to the floor.
3. YOUR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER IS FAILING OR IS BAD
The Master Cylinder is the main valve that pumps brake fluid through the system. It’s the heart of the braking system When the cylinder is failing, it’s not pumping fluid therefore there is no pressure. Again, allowing your brake pedal to fall to the floor. The picture here is of a replaced brake master cylinder. A Master Cylinder may fail due to time and/ or excessive wear.
If you are experiencing a spongy brake pedal or a brake pedal that sinks to the floor please call us today to schedule a brake inspection. Troubles with your braking system could be a serious safety hazard to yourself and others on the road.