Branch 1
Antwerpen / Merksem
Bredabaan 1052170 Merksem
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 Sat 10:00–17:00
Brakes, steering and handling
Brake pedal feels soft or sinks
A brake pedal that feels soft, goes down a long way or slowly sinks under steady pressure points to a problem in the braking system. It can lie in the hydraulic system or in the assistance for the pedal. Because brakes are safety-critical, this is not a signal to ignore.
Recognisable signs
What you may notice.
- The pedal feels spongy or goes down further than usual
- The pedal slowly sinks when you hold it down
- You have to pump the pedal several times to get enough braking force
- The stopping distance is noticeably longer
- A brake or ABS warning light is on
- There is dampness or a stain of brake fluid near a wheel
Possible causes
What may be behind it.
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. A technician identifies which cause fits your car after checking it.
-
Air or moisture in the brake fluid
Air in the system can be compressed, which makes the pedal feel soft. Older brake fluid can also absorb moisture.
-
A leak in the braking system
A leaking pipe, hose or caliper lets brake fluid escape, so the pressure drops away.
-
A worn master cylinder
If the cylinder leaks internally, the pedal can slowly sink, even without a visible leak.
-
Problems with the brake servo
If the assistance for the pedal fails, the pedal feels hard and heavy instead, and the braking force is limited. That too is a problem that needs checking.
-
Heavily worn brakes
Pads that are too thin or a badly worn caliper can change the feel of the pedal.
Keep driving?
Can I keep driving with this?
No, not if the pedal sinks or the braking is noticeably weaker. Stop safely, park the car in a safe place and change down if needed to slow the car with the engine. Arrange a tow truck: you cannot judge how much braking force is still available in an emergency.
Stop safelyStop safely and get help
At WeFix
What WeFix can check.
This is what our technicians can look at to find the cause.
- Assessing the brake fluid for level and condition
- Looking for leaks in the pipes, hoses and calipers
- Having the master cylinder and brake servo tested
- Measuring the brake pads and discs
If we find something, you hear it first. We only repair after your approval.
Services
Related services.
This is where WeFix Auto’s can help with this symptom.
Branches
Call or drop by.
Not sure, or is it urgent? Call the branch near you and describe what you notice.
2170 Merksem
Branch 2
Brasschaat
Bredabaan 7372930 Brasschaat
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 Sat 09:00–12:00
Also read
Related problems.
-
Book an appointment
Squeaking brakes: what could be the cause?
Squeaking brakes are a common signal. Sometimes the cause is harmless, such as moisture or dirt. Sometimes the noise points to worn brake pads. A grinding or metallic sound is a clearer warning than a light squeak. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car vibrates when braking
A vibration that only occurs while braking often points to the brakes themselves, for example brake discs that are no longer smooth and even. The suspension or wheels can also play a part, so it is worth checking the whole chain. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car pulls to the left or right
A car that drifts to one side without you steering it rarely has just one possible cause. Tyre pressure, wear, brakes and suspension can all play a part. It helps to know whether it happens when driving straight, when braking or when accelerating. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Car failed its test: what now?
A fail is annoying, but it is usually easy to follow: the test report states which defects were found. The aim is to have those defects repaired and then have the car tested again. The rules and deadlines that apply are shown on the test certificate itself. Read the explanation
Have your car checked.
Request a no-obligation quote or call a branch. You hear what we find first.
Please note: This explanation is general information and does not replace a technical diagnosis. The cause can only be established after your car has been checked. If you are worried about your safety, stop and ask for professional help.