Symptoms drivers describe
- Pedal travels further than it used to before biting
- Pedal slowly sinking when held at a standstill
- Needing to pump the pedal for a firm feel
- Brake warning light or a dropping fluid level
Possible causes
- Air in the hydraulic system
- Brake fluid that has absorbed moisture over time
- A leaking flexible hose, pipe or caliper seal
- A failing master cylinder
- A leaking wheel cylinder on drum-braked vehicles
What you can do
- Treat the car as unsafe to drive until it has been checked
- Look for fluid loss on the reservoir and behind the wheels
- Ask about recovery to our workshop rather than driving it in
How we check it in the workshop
We inspect the whole hydraulic circuit for leaks, test fluid condition and moisture content, check the servo and master cylinder, then bleed or repair as needed.
Is it safe to keep driving?
Urgent safety issue. A pedal that sinks can lose braking entirely.