8 Symptoms of a Failing or Malfunctioning Power Brake Booster

A brake booster's goal is to offer power assistance to the braking system, which means you don't have to apply a lot of energy to get the brakes to engage. The brake booster, which is placed between the brake pedal and the master cylinder, employs a vacuum to overcome the braking system's fluid pressure.

The car should not be driven if the brakes are not working correctly. Because the brake booster is such an important element of the braking system, keep a watch out for the following 8 symptoms so you can have it fixed as soon as possible:

1.      Hard brake pedal

An exceedingly difficult-to-push brake pedal is the major symptom of a faulty brake booster. This problem may arise gradually or all at once. Furthermore, after pressing the brake pedal, it will not return to its previous position. Contact a skilled technician to get your brake booster changed as soon as you find your brake pedal is difficult to engage. Brake booster defects must be fixed as soon as possible; driving a car with a faulty brake booster is dangerous. When you run a MOT history checker online, this will be plainly indicated as a reason for MOT test failure.

2.      Longer stopping distance

If you have a hard brake pedal, you may find that the car takes longer to stop. This is due to the fact that you are not receiving the necessary power boost to effectively stop the car. In all sorts of weather, a greater stopping distance can be dangerous since it makes your vehicle unreliable. As soon as you discover this problem, have it checked out by a technician. Another typical reason for a MOT test failure is related to the braking system when you 'check my MOT history' online.

3.      Engine stalls when brakes are applied

When the brake booster fails, it might pull too much suction from the engine, causing the engine to stall. This happens when the brake booster's diaphragm breaks, allowing air to bypass the seal. After that, the brakes are applied, the engine seems like it's about to stall, and the idle might decrease. A stalled engine can cause major problems in addition to diminished braking efficacy. Check your car's MOT status and have a mechanic rectify the problem, since this will result in a MOT failure.

4.      High brake pedal position

The brake pedal can travel less than normal, or it could take much longer to return to its former position once you take your foot off it. One of these issues might be caused by an imbalance in the vacuum chambers of a failing vacuum brake booster.

5.      Hissing sound

When you apply the brakes, you may hear a hissing sound. The vacuum booster may be leaking through the diaphragm or housing, or the vacuum hose may be leaking.

6.      Restricted engine functions

Another possible indicator of a vacuum leak is a compromised engine function. Let's assume your diaphragm has a hole in it or your vacuum check valve isn't working properly, allowing air to enter your system. This air may have an impact on the engine's fuel mixture. Improper fuel mix reduces the cooling effect of gas, increasing friction and temperature of engine components. Pre-ignition occurs when the gasoline ignites before the spark plug fires. Pre-ignition can potentially result in piston damage or a burned valve, both of which would necessitate costly repairs. When you check MOT history of your car, a failed emissions test on a MOT could have been due to this.

7.      Warning lights turn on

If your vehicle has an electronic brake booster, the failure of the unit might cause the anti-lock braking system to malfunction (ABS). Your brake warning lights, such as the ABS, stability control, or traction control lights, will begin to glow as a consequence.

8.      Fluid Leakage

Fluid leaks might signal a variety of issues with your vehicle. If your car has hydraulic boosters and is leaking power steering fluid, your hydro-boost component is likely to fail as well. Leaks in electronic brake boosters that are integrated with the master cylinder might also affect their function.

If you find that the brake pedal is difficult to press or that your car is taking longer to stop, have it inspected by a professional to ensure your safety on the road. If necessary, the mechanic will repair your brake booster as soon as possible so that you may drive your car safely again.