Updated at: 28-07-2022 - By: Lucas

When the brake pedal is properly pressed, it will seem like it’s resisting a particular amount of pressure. Spongy brake pedal, also known as an elastic pedal, is a condition in which the brake pedal has lost its hardness and is seen as spongy or unstable.

There are various possible causes for this issue, including air infiltration at the brake system level, brake pipe perforation, or excessive caliper wear. If your car’s brake pedal seems spongy, you should conduct an immediate inspection of the vehicle’s braking system and take all required steps to avoid traffic problems or car accidents.

What causes a soft brake pedal?

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Numerous variables or circumstances may contribute to the occurrence of this issue. We’ve outlined the most prevalent reasons and solutions to the issue here.

Existence of a leak in the brake lines

Abrasions and holes at the level of the brake lines might occur as a result of traffic, rust, humidity, and other factors. You’ll notice a loss in hydraulic pressure if this problem happens because the brake fluid level drops.

If you discover that your brake pedal is spongy, the first thing you should do is inspect your brake lines for leaks that could be the cause of your soft brakes. The sooner you replace a broken brake line, the better.

Brake fluid level

The brakes will become spongy or soft if your brake fluid level drops too low. Lift the hood and remove the brake master cylinder lid in this situation. Check the brake fluid level after removing the cover. If the brake fluid level is low, it is recommended to add additional fluid and inspect the brakes.

Air at the brake pipe level

The most common cause of spongy brakes is air infiltration at the level of the brake pipes. Hydraulic pressure is used to bring the car to a halt. There must be only braking fluid in the brake pipes for the entire system to function properly The soft brake pedal phenomenon is caused when air enters this level of the system and interrupts fluid flow. The only way out of this predicament is to open the bleeders on the brakes.

Brake caliper affected by corrosion

Corrosion and rust can impact the calipers, just as brake pipes. Brake fluid will be drained from the afflicted locations, resulting in a decrease in hydraulic pressure. If you’ve noticed a recent softening of the brakes, it’s time to inspect the calipers.

Brake master cylinder problems

Any issue at the cylinder level should be given extra attention. Certain brake system components may need to be replaced on occasion. Corrosion and rust can cause holes in the brake fluid lines, allowing it to flow out. As you know, the hydraulic pressure will drop and the brakes will get softer as a result of this loss.

Adjusting the rear brake shoes

Because the brake shoes wear out unaided, this will result in a spongy feel to the brake pedal. Every so often, the shoes should be evaluated for wear and if necessary, they should be resoled. The brake shoes are automatically adjusted when you apply the hand brake, according to the experts’ advice.

Brake pads problems

Remove the front and rear wheels to inspect the brake pads for wear. As part of a car’s braking system, brake pads are critical to its proper operation.

When we press the brake pedal, the car comes to a complete halt instantaneously thanks to these components. This is why it’s a good idea to get new ones if they show signs of wear.

Worn brake fluid

Another reason for a spongy brake pedal is a lack of brake fluid. Brake fluid can deteriorate and stop operating correctly over time if it absorbs moisture from the air. As a result, it’s critical to replenish the liquid in the device on a regular basis in order to keep it working properly.

How to repair soft brakes?

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If you notice that your brakes are spongy or mushy, you should have them checked out by a mechanic. These instructions can also be used if your brake is spongy.

  • Press the brake pedal repeatedly – as mentioned above, lowering the hydraulic pressure, no matter what caused it, will result in the elastic brake. In this case, what you can do is repeatedly press the brake pedal. Even in the extreme case where there is a serious problem with the braking system, repeatedly pressing this pedal will cause sufficient pressure to allow you to stop the car safely.
  • Check for leakage and try to solve this problem – you can check if there is a brake fluid leak behind the wheels of the car. You can also take a look under the hood to see if there are leaks in the master cylinder or if this area has a certain degree of moisture.
  • Then it is advisable to check if the master cylinder is filled up to the mark on the tank. If the level is low, it is advisable to add fluid and press the pedal again repeatedly to restore system pressure.
  • Even if you get a short-term fix to the problem, it is imperative that you come to a car service to check the state of the braking system.
  • Brake ventilation – Another method you have available to remove excess air from the braking system level is to ventilate them.

The brake fluid may have reached boiling point and released gases, making your pedal feel elastic if you’ve overused the brakes by driving or towing other vehicles.

Because gaseous substances can be compressed, unlike liquid, this is why. Ventilation holes can be found at several points throughout the brake system, including at each of the brakes, calipers, and cylinders. As a result, any malfunction in the vehicle’s braking system might result in both minor and catastrophic accidents.

Given the existing risks, the most advisable thing would be that, if the brakes seem soft or spongy, you should check the state of the braking system and identify the problem that caused this situation.