Brake Pedal is Hard to Push Down
Car trouble symptoms: Brake pedal is hard to push down when the brake is applied means you have
to step extra hard on the pedal for the car to stop
Car problem diagnosis: Most of the car that are built today consist of power brakes, it helps the driver in making the braking much easier, usually cars are equipped with power brake that is vacuum assisted. Now, when the power brake has problem the driver will have a hard time for the brake pedal to push down, extra effort is necessary on the brake pedal for the car to stop.
The vacuum assisted power brake unit make use of the vacuum from the engine to help in applying the brake. The system compose of the vacuum hose from the car engine going into a round metal or plastic canister that can be found between the master cylinder and the engine compartment fire wall.
There are other types of brake like the hydro-boost, when the car speed does not change when the brake pedal is depressed then the car uses hydro-boost brake unit.
Now, to determine the cause of the problem you must observe the engine, when the engine runs rough the possible cause is that the vacuum hose is broken or there may be leak somewhere the vacuum hose. However, when the engine runs rough only when the brake pedal is depressed while the car is park then the possible problem is that the canister is failing.
There are other types of brake like the hydro-boost, when the car speed does not change when the brake pedal is depressed then the car uses hydro-boost brake unit.
Car problem: Bad or failing power brake unit
Car shop tips: When this kind of problem happens to your car the first thing to do is to identify what type of brake unit installed on the car by looking under the hood. Look for the power brake unit in between the master cylinder and the fire wall it should be a plastic or metal canister with 10” to 14” in diameter. Once you locate the vacuum assisted unit, check the hose that connects the unit to the engine if there is crack or leaks, if so then replace the hose. If the hose is fine then no other option but to bring the car to the car shop for diagnosis and repair if necessary.
this brake pedal problem same as the problem on my corolla 98, but i change all parts of the braking fluid system... and now, its feel like pushing the cheese...
Check your break pedal regularly and if needed so upgrade the break pedal to the one that most cars uses now.
Two ways. Replace your braking system (for your own safety). Repair your braking system (a little less effective, I recommend the first).
This article is really helpful and useful. It is good to know things about the awareness car parts.