Quickly Learn 5 Symptoms of Bad Brake Booster In Your Truck

The braking mechanism of a truck begins right when you press the brake pedal. A brake booster is a component of the braking system that uses the engine vacuum to aid in stopping your truck. Usually, the brake booster is on the engine compartment in front of the driver. Having a bad brake booster is less common than other braking system parts. If it fails, your truck will not be safe to drive. Being under the hood, buying and fixing is the least expensive. 

Signs of a Bad Brake Booster

A failing or failed brake booster affects how the entire braking system functions. In such a scenario, your truck becomes risky to drive. But how can you know your brake booster is failing? Here are the common signs.

The Brake Pedal Becomes Hard

When any part of the brakes becomes faulty, you will feel it as soon as you press the brake pedal. The brake booster operates in a vacuum, and the extent to which the brake pedals become hard to press varies. Usually, pressing the brake pedals on the first time can feel normal, but it can become harder with subsequent applications. 

Your Truck Takes Time To Stop

When the brake booster functions appropriately, your truck should stop when you press the brake pedal. Although the braking does not solely depend on the booster, your braking distance can greatly increase. 

Stalling Engine

Engine stalling is another sign that your brake booster is faulty. It is a sign of a massive vacuum leak worth not ignoring. When there is a vacuum leak in the booster, it can draw more boost than usual whenever you press the brake pedal. In such a scenario, the booster will draw a vacuum from other components that make your engine stumble. In such a scenario, the RPM drops, and eventually, your truck will stall.

The Appearance of the Engine Check Light

Modern trucks have an engine control unit, a computer that monitors the entire truck’s functions. The ECU has various sensors attached to every part of your truck. The brake booster has a vacuum sensor. When it is faulty, the sensor sends signals to the ECU that notify you by turning on the engine check light on your dashboard.

A faulty brake booster will cause the engine check light on your dashboard to appear. When such happens, take your truck to a professional to check and fix it. 

Hissing Sound

Hissing sound when braking raises the attention of other road users apart from giving an uncomfortable feeling when driving. The hissing sound indicates that the brake booster is faulty, usually a vacuum leak at the booster. When this happens, you will hear a whistling or hissing sound that worsens when you press the brake pedal. At this time you will know you have a bad brake booster that needs to be checked.

Conclusion

A bad brake booster on your truck can be due to mechanical issues, but just like other parts within the hood, it can become faulty and eventually stop functioning if you ignore the signs it’s giving. When your truck exhibits any of the above signs, consider checking the condition of your brake booster.