Stiff Brake Pedal

[gen1pro]

So every morning and afternoon of this week when I've started my car I've noticed that my brake pedal is very stiff. I'm unable to push it in at all before I turn the key. Once I start driving everything is fine its just on the initial startup after it has been sitting for a while. I'm going to the dealer next week for maintenance so I can tell them about it then but I wanted to know if anyone had any info on what this could be.

[B1GHAM]

without getting into very specific details about what your vehicle is doing, thats normal.

[gen1pro]

Well thats good to hear. Thanks for the help.

[ktan91]

wow........ hopefully i read it correctly.. your kidding right?
we got power assisted brakes that don't work till the engine is on...

[kcbhiw]

without getting into very specific details about what your vehicle is doing, thats normal.


This is true. Your power assisted brakes work when a vacuum is applied to the brake booster. This vacuum is sourced from the engine when it is running. There is a check valve between the intake manifold and brake booster that, in the event that engine power is lost, power assisted braking can be maintained for a very short period. If the car hasn't been operated for some period of time, the vacuum that was developed in the brake booster has probably diminished. Once the car has been started, vacuum is reapplied and all is well. Again, completely normal.

[gen1pro]

"kcbhiw" thank you for the explaination on how it works and why this would happen. I really appreciate it.


As for "ktan91", this is a forum and I asked a question to get info on a subject that I'm not well versed in.......sorry to disappoint you.

Moderators can you close this thread please.