Brake Pedal Goes to Floor: Causes and Fixes

• Fluid Leak
• Air in Brake Lines
• Misaligned Brakes
• Malfunctioning Master Cylinder
• Malfunctioning Brake Booster
• FAQs

Brakes are a vehicle’s most important safety feature, and any issue concerning them requires immediate attention. Thoroughly inspecting the brakes when they don’t feel right, can significantly reduce the risk of potential hazards. Experienced drivers tend to know how the brake pedal is supposed to feel under their foot when it is applied. They can usually tell if something doesn’t feel right. This calls for immediate action. Even the slightest change in how smooth or stiff the pedal gets indicates severe issues. For instance, the brake going to the floor. Many reasons contribute to these issues in vehicles.

Here is a detailed overview of the common causes of the brake pedal going to the floor, and how to fix them.

Brake Going to the Floor Causes and Fixes

Whether your brakes go to the floor or the pedals are hard to press, a thorough check-up should be conducted to ensure safety. It is recommended to get a professional inspection before you take it out for a drive. However, it helps to better understand the causes behind this problem, and how they can be fixed.

Here are some possible reasons and their fixes for the car brake pedal going to the floor.

A Fluid Leak

Low fluid levels can also cause the brake pedal to go to the floor

One of the reasons behind the sinking brake pedal could be a brake fluid leak. A brake fluid leak means the right amount of hydraulic fluid is not making it through the master cylinder. As a result, the brakes will not work properly. If you suspect the brake fluid leaking, do not drive the car. You can check for a leak by looking under the car to see if it left a trail of a dark brown liquid that resembles engine oil. 

You can also take a look at the brake fluid reservoir. An empty reservoir means the brake fluid has been leaking for a while and a mechanic should be consulted before attempting to drive your car.

How to Fix

To fix this issue, you need to first determine the location of the leak and then move towards repairing the damage. One way to determine the location is by placing a newspaper on the ground beneath the car and then climbing into the driving seat. Make sure your car is turned off, then pump the brake pedal to force the fluid out through the leak site. After a few pumps, take a look underneath the car to see where the fluid is leaking from. 

Depending on the leak site and its severity, the mechanic might replace the calliper, piston, steel brake lines or wheel cylinder.

Air in the Brake Lines

Air in brake lines interferes with the smooth flow of brake fluid leading to the brake pedal going to the floor

If air has entered the brake lines, it will result in the brake pedal going all the way to the floor. Air in the brake lines causes uneven pressure in the braking system and interferes with the smooth flow of the brake fluid. This leads to a soft pedal that touches the floor. It can also lead to other issues, such as the car leaning towards one side when braking, an inconsistent braking system and a vibrating sensation while pressing the brake pedal.

How to Fix

To resolve this issue, you must first find out how the air is getting in the brake lines. Look for leaks in the brake lines and other brake components, as well as the tightness of the bleeder valves. This will help you determine where the air is entering the brake lines.

Once figured, the air must be flushed out of the brake lines, ensuring no air bubbles are left behind. This removes the moisture from the lines, which interferes with the braking system.

Misaligned Brakes

Ensure brake alignment to avoid issues like the brake pedal going to the floor

Another possible reason for this issue could be a misalignment in the brake shoes. Correct alignment of all brake components including the callipers, brake pads and others is required for effective braking. Misalignment in any of these components can cause issues with the braking system such as the brake going to the floor. It can also lead to the car pulling to one side when braking, squeaking sounds, uneven brake pad wear, longer stopping distances and more. 

How to Fix

This issue can be fixed by thoroughly inspecting the brake callipers, pads and rotor for signs of misalignment and uneven wear. Make the necessary adjustments to these components to ensure they are properly centred and make even contact with each other. Replace any hardware such as clips and mounting brackets if they look worn out or damaged. If the issue persists, seek professional help from a qualified mechanic to get the problem resolved. 

Malfunctioning Master Cylinder

The brake master cylinder is one of the most crucial components in the car braking system. It holds the hydraulic brake fluid and transfers it to the front and rear brakes to ensure effective braking. If the brake pedal goes to the floor without any visible external leaks, the master cylinder is likely worn out. 

A malfunctioning master cylinder might have internal leaks or broken seals that disrupt the car’s brake fluid pressure and result in a loss of hydraulic pressure. This will eventually lead to a faulty braking system with the car brake pedal going to the floor.

How to Fix

To fix this issue, you must visit a professional to get the faulty and worn-out master cylinder replaced. The new cylinder will maintain the hydraulic pressure and ensure the car does not inch forward at stop signals. The mechanic will also flush the brakes to ensure smooth driving without any risks of the brake going to the floor.

Malfunctioning Brake Booster

A faulty brake booster can cause the brake pedal to sink to the floor due to loss of vacuum pressure. A defective check valve also leads to reduced assistance provided to the brake pedals. This makes it harder for the driver to brake effectively. A worn-out seal in the brake booster or a mechanical failure can also lead to a spongy brake and a soft brake pedal.

How to Fix

This can be resolved by investigating the check valve and the vacuum supply. A functional check valve and vacuum supply should allow vacuum flow in only one direction. Also, check for leaks in the diaphragm. In case of a damaged seal or a leak, the brake booster will need to be replaced.

FAQs

Will a Bad Brake Booster Cause the Pedal to Go to the Floor?

Yes, a failing booster might not provide assistance to the brake pedal by generating a vacuum. This will cause the brake pedal to go to the floor.

What Should You Do if Your Brake Pedal Goes to the Floor?

Inspect the brake fluid levels, master cylinder and brake booster for leaks or misalignment. Flush the brakes to push out air bubbles. If the problem persists, visit a mechanic to get a professional inspection.

Why is my Brake Pedal Going to the Floor but no Leaks?

If the brake pedal goes to the floor even when there are no leaks, it might indicate a worn-out master cylinder. The best course of action would be to replace the master cylinder.

It is important to conduct regular checkups to ensure no such issues arise in your vehicle. Pay immediate attention to the vehicle if you feel the brake going to the floor. This detailed guide will equip you with all the necessary information needed to inspect the vehicle in case of a faulty braking system and how to overcome these issues. 

In case of continued malfunction, seek professional help to get a thorough inspection and resolve the problem. If you are looking for a reliable inspection, dubizzle cars offer top-notch service. The dubizzle cars inspection services offer easy appointment booking and a thorough inspection report.

If your car’s braking system often breaks down, it is better to go for a change of vehicle. Browse through new cars for sale in the UAE and select your next ride of choice from a wide range of vehicles equipped with modern safety features.

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