Many drivers have experienced a strange air sound when pressing the brake pedal, which can cause concern. The brake system is a crucial component of any vehicle; if it is not functioning correctly, it can affect your ability to stop safely.
A noisy brake system can be a sign of a severe problem, and if it is not addressed, it can lead to reduced braking performance and increased stopping distances, which can be dangerous.
If you hear air noise when pressing the brake pedal, it may be due to a problem with the brake booster or hose.
In this article, I’ll show why air sound is produced when the brakes are applied and possible ways to fix the issue.
Causes of Air Sound When Pressing Brake Pedal
Some of the reasons why the brake pedal emits air noise when applied are;
- A faulty Brake Booster/Brake Booster Hose
- Bad brake caliper
- Leaking Brake Master Cylinder
- Problematic Brake Lines
- Contaminated Brake Fluids
- A wrong Brake Booster/Hose
The brake booster or brake booster host consists of the booster diaphragm, vacuum hose, and cylinder gasket and is a device that uses engine vacuum to assist with braking. It is usually connected to the brake pedal using the vacuum hose.
If a leak or hole in the brake booster or hose and air passes through it into the brake system, it’ll make a noisy sound whenever the brake pedal is depressed.
On its end, the booster diaphragm controls the brake pressure when the brake pedal isn’t engaged.
1. Bad Brake Caliper
Another potential reason air sound is produced when pressing the brake pedal is a problem with the brake calipers or brake pads.
The brake caliper is responsible for holding the brake pads and getting in contact with the rotors when the brake is engaged.
If the calipers aren’t working fine, probably due to leaks or corrosion, air could use that avenue to get into the brake system, creating a noisy sound when the brake pedal is applied.
2. Leaking Brake Master Cylinder
A leaking brake master cylinder can introduce air into the brake system and cause the system to produce an air noise when the brake is applied.
3. Problematic Brake Line
If the brake lines are damaged or corrupted, it can cause air to be drawn into the brake system, which can create a noisy sound when the brake pedal is pressed
4. Contaminated Brake Fluids
if the brake fluid is contaminated or has absorbed moisture, it can cause air bubbles to form in the brake system, which can also create a noisy sound when the brake pedal is pressed.
How to Fix Air Sound When Pressing Brake Pedal
We can’t deny that the brake system is complex, so I recommend you take your vehicle to a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.
Although you can try changing the brake fluid or the faulty Brake booster hose, that might not be enough at times and would require in-depth analysis.
To diagnose and fix the problem, it is essential to have a qualified mechanic inspect the brake system. They can determine the cause of the air noise and recommend the appropriate repair. Replacing the brake booster, the brake booster hose, the brake calipers, or the brake pads may be necessary.
FAQs
Q: Why does it sound like air coming from the brake pedal?
If it sounds like air is coming from the brake pedal, it is likely due to a problem with the brake booster or the brake booster hose.
Q: Is it safe to drive with hissing brakes?
It is not safe to drive with hissing brakes. Hissing noises from the brakes can indicate a problem with the brake system, and if the issue is not addressed, it can lead to reduced braking performance and increased stopping distances.
This can be dangerous, especially if driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic. A qualified mechanic must diagnose and repair the problem immediately if you hear hissing noises from the brakes. Do not continue to drive the vehicle until the issue has been addressed.
Q: How do you fix a hissing brake booster?
You must first diagnose the problem’s cause to fix a hissing brake booster. The most common cause of a hissing advocate is a leak in the booster hose, which connects the brake booster to the brake pedal. To diagnose the problem, you must inspect the hose and look for any signs of damage or leaks. The hose must be repaired or replaced if it is damaged or leaking.
If the brake booster hose does not cause the problem, the booster may be faulty. The brake booster must be removed from the vehicle and inspected for damage or other issues. If the brake booster is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced.
Once the cause of the problem has been diagnosed, you can take the appropriate steps to fix the hissing brake booster. If you are not confident in your ability to diagnose and repair the problem, it is best to have a qualified mechanic perform the work to ensure it is done correctly.
Conclusion
If you hear air noise when pressing the brake pedal, it is vital to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
A properly functioning brake system is essential for the safety of you and your passengers and for the proper operation of your vehicle.
As an Amazon Service LLC Program Associate, V. Auto Basics earns from qualifying purchases. See Our Affiliate disclaimer.