Repair Mushy Car Brakes
Thanks to brake failure can reason a deadly accident, drivers should never forget any message that the example of a vehicle's brakes could be deteriorating. One such memo is a mushy or soft caress when the brake pedal is depressed. This gives the Chauffeur the alarming sensation that the vehicle might not brick wall.
Instructions
1. Research for a low brake fluid alike in the crackerjack cylinder reservoir. The fluid constant is usually visible washed-up the plastic of the reservoir, and it should be up to the adequate end on the reservoir side. On older vehicles with metal reservoirs you compass to receive the top off and study inside. Whether the equivalent is low, add current brake fluid to bring it up to the plentiful aim. A low akin credible indicates a fluid leak, so carefully contemplate the step for signs of leakage. Probation all transaction components for signs of fluid on the out. Glad eye authentic carefully at the brake border connections at the masterly cylinder, the Supple brake lines at Everyone revolve and the rubber seals on the caliper and brake pistons--any connexion speck is a possible accommodation for a leak. Provided you catch a leak at a connexion end go tightening the connexion to blank wall the leak. Some connections are secured with hose clamps while other obtain threaded connectors. Provided you can't aim the leak, the wrinkle must be replaced.
2. Trial for looseness in the pushrod linkage at the brake pedal and at the influence booster and crackerjack cylinder. Tighten up any loose link points by loosening the lock nuts at either neb of the pushrod that is attached near the top of the brake pedal lever, and rotate the pushrod to burgeoning or incision pedal heighth as desired. Tighten the locknuts securely when you are finished. Catch affliction not to adjust the pedal to either foot of its expedition; doing so Testament pull the adept cylinder elsewhere from its average rest position.
3. Bleed the brake lines. Air trapped in the brake lines or piston cylinders will cause a mushy feeling at the brake pedal. Use a baster to remove the old brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir, then refill with new fluid. Do the back wheels first, followed by the front wheels. Working from wheel to wheel, remove the wheel and locate the bleeder connection on the brake or caliper piston. Be very careful not to let the level in the master cylinder reservoir go to the bottom. Close the bleeder connection securely, refill the master cylinder reservoir with new brake fluid and move on to the next wheel. Dispose of the old brake fluid in accordance with local regulations.4. Slip a piece of thin tubing over the nipple on the connection and run the tubing to a container on the ground. Open the bleeder connection by loosening the nut at the base. Let the fluid run out until new fluid is visible (sometimes the brakes will have to be pumped a few times to keep the fluid moving).
Check drum brake self-adjusting mechanisms for proper operation. Back the car up quickly and brake hard to try to coax a seized self-adjusting mechanism into working. Repeat several times, then open up each drum and inspect the star wheel and lock tab. Clean the mechanism thoroughly, apply anti-seize compound to the star wheel teeth, then lubricate the star wheel and lock tab pivot points with brake grease. Replace any defective parts.
5. Check the operation of the master cylinder. Remove the master cylinder reservoir cap and empty the fluid with the help of a syringe or baster. Disconnect the brake lines from the the master cylinder and plug the line connections on the master cylinder with suitable caps or plugs, taking care not to damage the soft connections. Refill the reservoir with new brake fluid and replace the reservoir cap. Start the car and press and hold the brake pedal. A firm and high brake pedal that does not sink over time indicates that the master cylinder is operating properly. If the pedal slowly sinks over time, or if it feels soft, low or mushy, the master cylinder is defective and must be replaced.
