Hard brake pedal

2006 FORD FOCUS
32,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
JOHN MCLAREN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My brake pedal sometimes feels very firm and the brakes seem to bind a little. This usually happens at start up but if I don't brake for a few mins they seem to work ok after that. This first happened after I gave the brakes a few hard pumps to test them.
When it happens it can go back to normal of its own accord or if I park the car for a while they return to normal.
Apr 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,907 POSTS
More than likely you have an issue with the brake booster. So, we need to start with testing this and go from there.

I am attaching the info below from the manual on how to test this.

However, we should also check the vacuum line from the engine for leaks or cracks.

Here is a guide that will help with this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please find the attached info on how to test the booster and let us know what you find with this.

Thanks
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Jan 28, 2022 at 6:27 PM
Avatar
JOHN MCLAREN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
It was the brake booster rod. I turned it in and the problem is fixed!
Jan 28, 2022 at 6:28 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,907 POSTS
That is interesting. However, I am concerned that this did not permanently repair the issue. More than likely by turning the rod in you increased the pedal travel and that may be causing the booster to seal, but I don't think it will be a long-term solution.

If it were me and this made an improvement, I would go ahead and replace the booster.

Just a thought that I had on it.

Thanks
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Jan 28, 2022 at 6:32 PM