Why Is My Brake Pedal Spongy? Elysian Auto Service

  

Why is my brake pedal spongy?

A “spongy” brake pedal can result from a few different things. You could have air in your brake line. Or you may have a leak in the brake line. If you have an air bubble in your brake line this can prevent the fluid from flowing down the brake line causing that spongy sensation. The other culprit, a leak in the brake line, can cause this spongy sensation, or your brake pedal may press all the way down to the floor. These are major symptoms and should not be ignored!

In a disc brake vehicle, the process is simple to follow, every time you step on your brakes hydraulic brake fluid is sent down the brake line to an item called a caliper. The caliper then squeezes the brake pads against that shiny round silver disc called a rotor, which stops your vehicle. If you have any interruption in the process you have a major problem, and will lose braking power. If there is air in the line we perform a brake fluid service or brake bleed to get all the old fluid and air out, and then we put the new fluid in. If you have a leaking brake line, which is very common in our area because steel lines and road salt don’t mix, the most common repair is line replacement and also a brake fluid service. Again, if you are experiencing any out-of-the-ordinary brake symptoms do not ignore them!

Elysian Auto Service recommends a brake fluid service with every brake pad and rotor replacement, this is the best way to protect your investment and avoid some of these problems. Brake fluid gets hot when you hit the brakes, then it cools down causing condensation, this water is then absorbed into the brake fluid and eventually becomes contaminated. Contamination then speeds up the decay of brake lines.  Stay on top of this maintenance item and you should be able to avoid major braking issues. If your brakes are acting up or you have any other maintenance or repair issues contact Elysian Auto Service today at 507-267-4435.