Q: Hard to press brake
My brother's car has a very rough idle and misses on cylinder 1 and 2 sometimes. We cleared the trouble codes and this solved the problem. But now the brake pedal is causing trouble. It’s very hard to press down on. It won’t go down and there is a hissing noise coming from the brake pedal, too. What’s causing this?
Recommended Services
| Brake Pedal is hard to push Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hello. This is caused by a bad brake vacuum booster. When the booster fails, the brakes will get hard and it can cause a vacuum to leak in the engine causing a misfire. It sounds like this is what is happening as the booster is powered with engine vacuum. If you need to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the brake pedal problem and perform appropriate repairs.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Problems starting car. Replaced fuel filter.
I would have the fuel system checked out by YourMechanic. They will need to put a pressure gauge on the fuel rail to test for fuel pressure. It sounds like you may have a bad fuel pump, in which case,...
Car sputtering while idling.
There could be a number of issues that can cause this concern. If the issue only occurs after the engine has warmed up. A problem in the electronic throttle control actuator either in the motor or one of the sensors...
ABS brake traction control lights on
Hello, Any time there is a problem with the Anti-lock Brake System or the ABS in any vehicle, including your Dodge Durango, the traction control will automatically disable and display the light you are seeing. This is due to the...
Have to fuel very slowly, pump keeps shutting off
Hi, thanks for writing in. This may very well be related to the evaporative emission canister vent solenoid. This is often times part of the problem when getting the system to properly vent. This can be tested by simply checking...
Why would my passenger side drum brake engage when I'm not touching the brake pedal and then release?
Do any warning lights come on when this happens? If you are having an issue with the ABS system (which is kind of unlikely), or an issue with the brake sensors the vehicle will likely set codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-read-and-understand-check-engine-light-codes-by-jason-unrau) which can...
O/D light flashes,car bucks, brakes seizing, and sputtering.
Hi there. Check the transmission and see if there is an oil leak. If the transmission oil is full, then there could be an issue inside the transmission causing the vehicle to sputter as the overdrive clutch is engaged. I...
2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 turn signal switch problems
Then turn signal switch internal parts hold it in one direction or the other normally until the steering shaft contacts the lever mechanism and returns it to center. You have a defective turn signal switch and need to replace it....
I keep hearing a popping/clunking sound on the right front passenger side of my truck near the right tire.
The sound might be related to a worn suspension component. From what you are describing, it should be fairly easy to pin down with static testing (e.g., ball joints should only move "so much" during a test). To pinpoint the...
No power under full throttle
The cause of loss of power is identified in YourMechanic's engine loss of power diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/loss-of-power-inspection). To give you an initial idea of the possible causes that would be considered, a partial list would include oxygen sensors, fuel pump and/or...
Related articles
How to Bleed a Clutch
A clutch master cylinder contains a reservoir with brake fluid. It is connected to the clutch slave cylinder through hoses. When you...
The 5 Safest Used Cars You Can Buy For Under $20,000
The Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevy Volt, and the Volvo XC60 are five of the overall safest used cars you can buy for under $20,000.
Understanding Volvo Service Reminder Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Volvo Service Reminder Indicator lets you know when your car needs service.
Browse other content
Maintenance
Services
Estimates