Your Mazda's brake booster offers assistance to your vehicle's braking system. A functional brake booster reduces the force you require to engage your Mazda brake by providing additional power. Your brake booster is located between your vehicle's master cylinder and the brake pedal. It utilizes a vacuum to overcome the brake system pressure.
A brake system failure can be dangerous and frustrating because the brake system is a critical part of your Mazda's braking system. We shall discuss some common causes of brake booster failures in Mazda and the signs that may indicate a faulty brake booster.
Causes of Brake Booster Failure in Mazda
- Engine Vacuum Leak: Insufficient vacuum pressure is one of the most common reasons your Mazda may experience brake booster failure. Lack of vacuum pressure may occur due to a cracked or loose hose that allows air inflow into the braking system. An engine vacuum leak is an obvious sign because it may cause delayed acceleration.
- Check Valve Issues: Wearing or breaking the strings designed to close the brake booster check valves is another reason for a faulty brake booster. The check valves in your Mazda's braking system may become lodged closed or open, and this may cause the brake system to fail. When your Mazda's vacuum side check valve fails, it may produce an audible whistling sound.
- Diaphragm leak: Your Mazda's vacuum brake booster utilizes a large internal diaphragm that is susceptible to internal leaks with time. A diaphragm leak is common in dry and cold areas as these conditions increase the degradation rate of the material used in designing the diaphragm.
- Clogged Pores: Your Mazda's brake booster has several external ports responsible for the passage and exit of air from the brake booster. Your booster's atmospheric or backside is designed with an air filter that may become clogged after an extended period of use. Clogged air filters in your Mazda's brake booster ports may reduce the brake booster's power.
- Pushrod Adjustment: If your Mazda's pushrod is not adjusted properly, it may cause your brake pedal to travel excessively without engaging completely. It may also cause pedal operational sensitivity or short pedal travel in some cases. Your Mazda's pushrods may go out of adjustment due to loose retaining bolts or if an old master cylinder is not replaced correctly.
Signs of a Faulty Brake Booster in Your Mazda
The following are signs indicating that your Mazda's brake booster may be faulty:
- Hard brake pedal: You can identify a bad brake booster when you experience difficulty pushing the brake pedal. If you also notice that your Mazda's brake pedal does not return after pressing, this is another indicator that your brake booster is defective.
- Stalling of your Mazda's engine after applying the break: A failing brake booster may allow an excess vacuum to be drawn from the engine. It is primarily caused by leakage or failure in the diaphragm. When you press the brakes, you may notice that the engine is stalling, which is a very serious issue.
- Longer response time: If your Mazda takes longer to stop after applying the brakes, it may be a sign that the brake booster may be faulty.
- Hissing noise: If you hear a hissing noise when you apply your Mazda's break, it could mean that your vehicle's vacuum hose is leaking or there is a leak in the vacuum booster.
A faulty brake booster puts the driver and other road users at risk of an accident. Whenever you notice any of the symptoms discussed above, you should consult a Mazda specialist immediately for proper diagnosis.
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