Infiniti models have great acceleration and are built with consumer safety in mind. They are one of the top-awarded luxury vehicles on the road today. Over time or from too much hard braking, the brake master cylinder can start to cause issues that need to be serviced quickly.
The brake master cylinder is part of the braking system that pushes brake fluid into the brake line as you press the brake pedal. It is a pressurized pump with seals that can wear down causing leaking brake fluid or a decline in being able to brake safely. If the brake master cylinder is worn or damaged, pay attention to the following:
- Brake Fluid Leak: Brake fluid begins as a golden color that turns brown or black in color over time. If there is a leak in the brake master cylinder, you may see fluid leak underneath the vehicle, similar to an oil leak. When brake fluid is leaking it can be a light brown to black color, depending on how dirty or old the fluid To tell the difference between a brake fluid leak and an oil leak, look under the vehicle to see where the pool of fluid is forming. If it is coming from the brakes, the fluid will be leaking in an area closer to the wheel.
- Debris in Brake Fluid: As the rubber seals on the brake master cylinder begin to break down, small pieces of debris, rust, or moisture may get into the brake fluid. This pollutes the fluid, breaking down its efficiency, and may cause the brake fluid to overheat. These particles of debris, moisture, or overheated brake fluid can end up in other parts of the braking system, potentially causing your ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) to fail. This can make your vehicle dangerous to drive and should be taken to a technician sooner rather than later.
- Spongy Brakes: Air in the brake line is a common reason brakes feel spongy or may be slow to respond when engaged. Air can enter the brake line if there is a leak in the seal or the brake fluid is at a low level. The lower level of brake fluid can have a negative impact on the pressure needed to drive the fluid into the braking system.
- Brake Pedal Sinking: When the brake pedal sinks, it means the brake pedal continues to lower to the floor after you’ve pressed the brake pedal as far as it will go. This is a common indicator that something is wrong with the brake master cylinder.
The reason for a sinking brake pedal could be low or hot brake fluid, causing a decrease in the pressure within the brake line. Your regular driving habits can impact the longevity and quality of your brakes. If you are breaking frequently, in time, this can cause hot brake fluid to be pushed through the line. When brake fluid is too hot, it becomes a thinner liquid, which negatively impacts the pressure needed for the brake system to react quickly and safely. This can also cause deterioration to other parts of the brake system.
It is rare to lose all function of the brakes on your vehicle, but it can happen if the brake master cylinder is not repaired quickly. It is not common for the vehicle to lose function in all the brakes. Depending on where the damage or leak is, the front brakes may stop working or the rear brakes will stop working in serious situations.
Swedish Auto Service: Your Infiniti Experts
At Swedish Auto Service, we know brake troubles can be alarming and frustrating. We’ve been servicing luxury vehicles and providing high quality customer service to drivers since 1993. You can trust our experts in Infiniti service and repair to treat your vehicle as if it were our own.
Our technicians use factory-grade tools and equipment to make sure your Infiniti gets back on the road driving like new. Our technicians value transparency and clear communication when it comes to delivering customer satisfaction. We take the time to explain the issue, how we’re going to fix it, and exactly what the service or repair will cost.
With locations in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Leander, let our helpful, friendly team take the frustration out of dealing with vehicle repairs. Give us a call at (512) 836-0022 or visit our website to get answers to your questions or book an appointment.