brake pedal feels firm

2014 MINI COUNTRYMAN
78,000 MILES • 2WD • MANUAL
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SARAH BAKER
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  • 5 POSTS
Hi, sometimes the brakes work fine but sometimes they do not. The brake pedal feels firm but I have to use all my force to stop the car. and then brakes work fine again. I don't know what's the problem.
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:33 AM
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STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the brake booster is going out. Can you tell me if you hear a hissing sound when driving or when you hit the brakes? If so here are diagrams that shows how to replace the brake booster below. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can hear the noise? that would be great. You can upload it here with your response. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
Jan 18, 2019 at 7:59 PM
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SARAH BAKER
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  • 5 POSTS
I don't hear any hissing sound.
Jan 19, 2019 at 8:03 PM
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STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
There is a brake booster vacuum sensor that could have gone out but to be sure lets run the codes for the brake system to see what comes up. here is a guide that shows you how:

https://youtu.be/rTtAnsOlZU4

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
Jan 21, 2019 at 10:44 AM
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SARAH BAKER
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Can I drive the car or it is too dangerous?
Mar 3, 2019 at 4:37 AM
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STRAILER
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Anytime you have brake problem they should be fixed before driving the car. did you try replacing the brake booster?
Mar 4, 2019 at 9:45 AM
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SARAH BAKER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
What did the brake booster do?
Mar 13, 2019 at 11:47 AM