What is the recommended action if the hydraulic brake pedal travels to the floor when holding steady pressure?

What is the recommended action if the hydraulic brake pedal travels to the floor when holding steady pressure?

• A. Adjust the brake booster
• B. Check the brake fluid level
• C. Reject the vehicle
• D. Replace the brake pads

Answer: (C)

When the hydraulic brake pedal travels to the floor while holding steady pressure, it indicates a serious problem within the brake system, likely a significant loss of hydraulic pressure. This situation suggests potential issues such as a brake fluid leak or air in the braking system, which can severely compromise the vehicle's ability to stop safely. Rejecting the vehicle is the appropriate action because a malfunctioning braking system poses an immediate safety risk to the driver and others on the road. It's essential to ensure that all components of the brake system are functioning correctly, and until these issues are resolved, the vehicle should not be deemed roadworthy. While checking the brake fluid level or adjusting the brake booster may be part of a broader inspection or troubleshooting process, they do not directly address the severity of the problem indicated by the pedal traveling to the floor. Replacing brake pads would also not rectify the underlying hydraulic failure. Therefore, rejecting the vehicle is the safest and most responsible action in this scenario, ensuring that necessary repairs can be made before the vehicle is allowed back on the road.

When the hydraulic brake pedal travels to the floor while holding steady pressure, it indicates a serious problem within the brake system, likely a significant loss of hydraulic pressure. This situation suggests potential issues such as a brake fluid leak or air in the braking system, which can severely compromise the vehicle's ability to stop safely.

Rejecting the vehicle is the appropriate action because a malfunctioning braking system poses an immediate safety risk to the driver and others on the road. It's essential to ensure that all components of the brake system are functioning correctly, and until these issues are resolved, the vehicle should not be deemed roadworthy.

While checking the brake fluid level or adjusting the brake booster may be part of a broader inspection or troubleshooting process, they do not directly address the severity of the problem indicated by the pedal traveling to the floor. Replacing brake pads would also not rectify the underlying hydraulic failure. Therefore, rejecting the vehicle is the safest and most responsible action in this scenario, ensuring that necessary repairs can be made before the vehicle is allowed back on the road.