What is a Car Brake Booster? Here are Its Functions and Signs of Leakage
What is a car brake booster? And what is its function for the car's braking system? For more details, please pay attention to the following review.
What Is a Car Brake Booster?
A car brake booster is one of the components of the car's braking system. This component is located in the engine compartment, specifically between the master cylinder and the brake pedal. The brake booster can be considered an important component in enhancing safety and comfort while driving. Currently, brake boosters are divided into two types, namely vacuum type and hydraulic type.
In the vacuum type booster, the braking mechanism relies on the intake manifold that has been vacuumed, making the brake pedal feel very light when pressed. Meanwhile, in the hydraulic type booster, the braking mechanism utilizes the hydraulic pressure from the power steering, so the driver does not expend much energy when pressing the brake pedal.
Function of the Car Brake Booster
The car brake booster has a vital function for the car's braking system. This component helps increase the force when the car is braking, making it stronger. The brake booster will multiply the pressure force on the brake pedal. In addition, the booster will also provide a light sensation to the driver when pressing the brake pedal.
Signs of a Leaking Car Brake Booster
Considering its vital function, the condition of the brake booster must always be maintained. However, sometimes the brake booster itself can experience problems, such as leaks. Here are the signs that appear when the car brake booster is leaking.
1. Hard brake pedal
A leak in the brake booster can be marked by a hard brake pedal when pressed. This occurs because the booster is unable to provide the pressure needed for the operational requirements of the brake pedal.
2. Soft brake pedal
Not only hard, a leak in the brake booster can also sometimes be marked by a soft brake pedal when pressed. This occurs because the brake booster cannot hold the pressure from the brake pedal when pressed.
3. Hissing sound from the brake pedal
The next sign can be identified by the hissing sound from the brake pedal. This sound occurs because a leaking brake booster will suck air from outside, causing outside air to enter the car and produce a hissing sound.
4. Engine vibration
The next sign can be seen from the engine vibrating when the brake pedal is pressed. This occurs because the combustion chamber sensor cannot monitor the temperature properly due to outside air entering the combustion chamber.
5. Abnormal idling RPM
A leaking brake booster can also cause other problems such as abnormal idling RPM, resulting in the car's performance becoming sluggish, difficulty starting the car, and even stalling the engine.
Causes of Car Brake Booster Leaks
Car brake booster leaks are usually caused by several factors. These include vacuum hose leaks, a buildup of dirt in the hose and vacuum booster valve area, oil entering the engine compartment, damage to the brake booster components (dirty seals, worn rubber membranes, etc.), and a damaged vacuum pump.
How to Repair a Leaking Brake Booster
To repair a leaking brake booster, you can follow some of the methods below.
- Remove the master brake from the brake booster tube, then check its condition along with the rubber membrane.
- Clean the dirty rubber membrane.
- Remove the brake booster from the brake pedal body and check all other components to ensure there are no leaks.
- Reinstall the brake booster and perform a test by pressing the brake pedal while driving.
Read Also: 3 Bad Habits That Make Car Brake Pads Wear Out Quickly
In addition to the methods above, you can also utilize the service from the official Daihatsu workshop for repairs of all car components.
