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5600 183A, Cedar Park, TX, 78641
Brake fluid check

Why Your Brake Pedal Is Hard To Push Down

“My brakes are very hard to push down!” You’re at a loss. You might think your car brakes have disappeared because the brake pedal is harder to push down than normal. It can feel like stepping on a rock instead of your brake pedal, even though you can still stop the vehicle, but not easily. The loss of power assist in the braking system can usually be attributed to a failed power brake booster or major contamination of your brake fluid.
 

 
Here are some ways to determine why you have a hard brake pedal and what to look for! Then, smoothly navigate the Leander and Georgetown roads.

Is Goop Causing A Stiff Brake Pedal?

Brake fluid is a hygroscopic fluid that absorbs water, but over time it causes goop to build up inside the brake system. This build-up can cause the brake booster to appear like it has failed; your brake fluid should always remain clear with an amber tint. Follow these steps to eliminate goopy brake fluid:

  1. Remove the cap from the reservoir.
  2. Scrape a flat screwdriver lightly across the bottom of the reservoir.
  3. Inspect the screwdriver tip.

Your brake fluid should be changed if the screwdriver doesn’t appear clear when removed from the reservoir.

  • Suction the old brake fluid out of the reservoir.
  • Fill the reservoir with fresh brake fluid. Check your manual to be sure you are using the correct type of fluid for your vehicle because not all types can be mixed (for example, DOT 3 and DOT 5).
  • Place a drain pan under the right rear wheel. The general rule is to start at the brake farthest from the master cylinder (right rear) and then work your way closer, ending with the left front.
  • Open the bleed valve about a half-turn, and have your partner depress the brake pedal.
  • Once the flow of fluid slows, close the valve. Have your partner pump the brake pedal, and then repeat the process. Repeat until the brake fluid is clear and free of bubbles.
  • Repeat at each wheel.

If the brake fluid has been flushed properly, your vehicle’s brake pedal should be back to normal. If not, keep reading!

Monitor For Vacuum Loss

The engine vacuum inside your vehicle is typically used to power your “power brakes” and uses the vacuum from the engine’s intake manifold to increase the pressure applied to the brake pedal and to benefit braking.

Typically, the front seal fails inside the vacuum-assist brake boosters, and over time the booster seal can cause the rear seal on your master cylinder to also fail. This can be found based on the appearance of drips down the front of the booster and can require the booster and master cylinder to be replaced.

There should be a hose between the booster and engine to assist the vacuum, and should be the first thing checked. Be sure to replace or reconnect this hose when needed, unscrew two of the nuts securing the main cylinder from the booster when the hose isn’t leaking, and start the engine. Gently press the brake pedal. Check for hissing sounds between the booster and master; if you hear this, it is a sign there is a leak on the front seal of the booster.

If your vehicle is overdue for maintenance or a tune-up, bring it to Toyota of Cedar Park. Our service department is located at 5600 183A, Cedar Park, Texas 78641. We look forward to helping you keep your vehicle in the best condition. Our service hours are Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Saturday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. 

Give us a call at (512) 960-3961 or schedule your service appointment online anytime. Visit your local Toyota dealer in Cedar Park, TX;  just a short drive from Austin. Experience the difference!


Toyota Service Coupons in Cedar Park

Toyota Service Care

Pre-Paid Maintenance Plan

Keep your Toyota in tip-top shape for longer with our 2-year prepaid maintenance plan. Services include oil change and tire rotations at factory recommended intervals. Take your pick of five services for $320 (includes three oil changes and five tire rotations), or three services for $250, (includes two oil changes and three tire rotation). Includes multipoint inspection and fluid top-off.

*Must present coupon at time of service. Includes oil change up to 5 quarts. Not valid with any other coupons/discounts or previous transactions. Tax, shop supplies, and environmental fee extra. Additional quarts or synthetic oil extra. Diesels, SUVs, 4x4 vehicles, and Toyota Supra models incur additional charge. Service coupons do not have cash value. Price does not include taxes and fees. Some restrictions may apply. See dealer for details.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Variable Discount

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Spend & Save Variable Discount

Save up to $100 on your service experience!

*Must present coupon at time of service. Not valid with any other coupons/discounts or previous transactions. Tax, shop supplies, and environmental fees extra. Offer valid on Toyota models only. See dealer for details. Offer not to exceed $100.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Oil Change Special

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$79.95

Service includes oil change up to 5 quarts.

*Must present coupon at time of service. Includes oil change up to 5 quarts. Not valid with any other coupons/discounts or previous transactions. Tax, shop supplies, and environmental fee extra. Additional quarts or synthetic oil extra. Excludes 0W8 Synthetic. Diesels, SUVs, 4x4 vehicles, and Toyota Supra models incur additional charge. See dealer for details. Offer not to exceed $79.95. Service coupons do not have cash value. Price does not include taxes and fees. Some restrictions may apply.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Brakes

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$30 OFF

Replace pads or shoes according to manufacturer specifications. Discount is for complete service.

*Must present coupon at time of service. Not valid with any other coupon/discounts or previous transactions. Tax, shop supplies, and environmental fees extra. Offer valid on Toyota models only. See dealer for details.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Batteries

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$30 OFF

Installation of a Toyota TRUE START battery and battery terminal cleaning.

*Must present coupon at time of service. Not valid with any other coupons/discounts or previous transactions. Tax, shop supplies, and environmental fee extra. Some battery types will incur additional charges. Offer valid on Toyota models only. Excludes AGM batteries. See dealer for details.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Tire Rotation and Balance

2025_TCP_SERVICEROTATE_800X800

$62.95

Service includes rotation and computer balancing of all four tires. Must present coupon at time of service.

*Must present coupon at time of service. Not valid with any other coupons/discounts or previous transactions. Tax, shop supplies, and environmental fee extra. Offer valid on Toyota models only. Some exclusions may apply. See dealer for details.

Expires: 12/31/2026

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Toyota of Cedar Park 30.4790746, -97.8030749.
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