How To Diagnose a Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal

Does your brake pedal feel a little bit soft or spongy?

Here are some common causes for a soft or spongy brake pedal.

Common Causes of a Spongy or Soft Pedal:

Brake Fluid Leaks:

Worn, damaged or rusted components in the brake system can cause fluid leaks
Checking the fluid level in the reservoir because a leak can be easily identified
Inspect each caliper, brake hoses and brake lines to the master cylinder for leaks

Worn Out Brake Hoses:

Swelling is an indication that a hose is worn out when there is swelling
Have someone press the brake pedal while you inspect the hoses for leaks or swelling
Any amount of swelling indicates a bad brake hose

Air in the Brake System:

If it is not properly bled after replacing a component, air can become trapped in a system
Air can be introduced to the system by overheating the caliper, causing the brake fluid to boil
If rapidly pumping a soft pedal restores pedal pressure, there is most likely air in the system

Brake Fluid Contamination

These tips can point you in the right direction if there are common issues with your vehicle:

Check for any recalls or TSB’s related to the symptoms or vehicle system of concern
Look up common complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website

The brake system should be bled if:

Not all vehicles have the same bleeding procedure. You should always refer your Factory Service Manual for the proper procedure.

Many newer vehicles require a scan tool to bleed the ABS unit. A soft or spongy pedal may remain, if this is not completed

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