Your power brake system helps you provide braking power, so you don't have to do all the work with your brake pedal. So what's involved in the power brake system? The actual brakes are applied at the wheel, using hydraulic pressure. When you step on the brake pedal, it creates pressure in the power booster that's multiplied by vacuum from the engine, and the resulting pressure pushes brake fluid through the master cylinder, into tubes and hoses that run to the brake at each wheel. Where do the problems with the power brakes usually arise? It's usually a fluid leak somewhere along the line. It could be at a fitting or a hose or even an internal leak in the master cylinder. A leak gives the pressurized fluid somewhere to go, other than to the brakes, so stopping power is diminished.
If you lose enough fluid and you won't be able to stop at all! Need I say, that would be extremely dangerous! If you notice
any decrease in stopping power or if your brake pedal seems mushy, you could have a problem. Bring it in to us here at Elite Auto Repair for a safety inspection right away. There are also preventative maintenance tasks for the power brake system. First of all, you want to make sure your brake fluid is filled to the recommended level. Master cylinder leaks are usually just because it's worn out. Leaks in the brake lines and connectors can be minimized by replacing the brake fluid from time to time. Brake fluid has additives that protect against corrosion that can damage brake components. Brake fluid also attracts moisture, which can lead to rust. Not a good thing for expensive anti-lock brakes. Also, significant amounts of water in the brake fluid can affect stopping power, because the water has a much lower boiling point than the brake fluid. In the high-temperature environment of the brake system, the water can vaporize, and steam doesn't do a very good job of providing hydraulic pressure. And one final word. Make sure you use the recommended type of brake fluid. There are several kinds, and using the wrong one can lead to total brake failure. Your Elite Service Advisor can help you with this.
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