What should you do if you're having trouble with your brake pedal? You need to understand its ratio to the pedal, how much it sinks and how much heat it creates. This information will also help you to avoid issues like warped rotors or sinking pedals. Ultimately, you need to get your brake pedal working properly. The following are some of the common issues you'll likely run into when you brake.

Pedal ratio

The braking system of your car works with a pedal ratio. The ratio is the ratio between the distances of the pivot and the arms that hold the pedal in place. When you need to adjust the pedal's ratio, you can do so by measuring the height of the brake pedal from the center of the brake shaft to the center of the pedal pad. Then, divide the height by the pedal's ratio.

Typically, the proportion between the pushrod and the booster is 4.5:1. Its proportion increases as the brake pedal travels from its resting position to the start of the braking action. Some post-WWII cars used bell crank linkage. The lever connects to the booster at one end and to the pedal in the center. Typically, a 4.5:1 or lower ratio is considered optimum for power-assisted brakes, while a higher pedal ratio may be required for the beginning of the braking action.

Pedal sink

Pedal sink occurs when the brake pedal doesn't feel firm when pressed. The pedal may feel soft and mushy when pressed down, but the car will still stop if you exert maximum pressure on the brake pedal. Pedal sink can occur slowly, quickly, or not at all. This type of brake pedal sinking can be a major problem, particularly if the sinking occurs suddenly.

Some causes of pedal sinking include a faulty master cylinder or air inside the system. A faulty cylinder will not allow the cylinder to take up fluid as it should, causing the pedal to sink. This component can be replaced inexpensively. To fix the brake pedal sinking, you may need to replace the cylinder. Here are a few simple ways to check whether your pedal is sinking:

Pedal heat

If you've ever noticed that your pedals become very hot when you brake, you may be experiencing brake pad fade. As your brake pads get hotter, the fluid that surrounds them boils, making it more difficult for you to press them. This causes the brake pedal to move too far to the floor and prevent you from stopping. A simple solution to the problem is to replace your brake master cylinder. Replacing the master cylinder is a straightforward process that's well worth the effort.

The brake calliper is composed of a ceramic substance that allows the brake pads to push against the brake disc. As brake fluid heats up, air bubbles will form and cause the fluid to boil. Air is much more compressible than hydraulic fluid, and when the brake fluid boils, the brake pedal will become softer and will travel to the floor with little force. Boiling brake fluid will reduce the braking power, which is why it's vital to replace your brake pads regularly.

Pedal rotor warps

If you feel your brake pedal pulsating when you stop, you may have warped brake rotors. A warped front rotor can cause severe vibration that may be difficult to distinguish from brake pedal pulsation. To identify the signs, you should perform regular brake inspections. Warped front rotors are more dangerous and require quick service. Here are some signs you should look for:

Warped brake rotors are caused by braking too quickly and hard. While you may experience a smooth stop, you might feel jittering, vibration, or a burnt rubber smell. These signs are all indications of warped brake rotors. For best results, call your car repair shop and schedule an appointment. Usually, it will take no more than thirty minutes per rotor.