What could it be and how to repair brake pedal that sticks low before start up?

Asked by Dexter1217 Aug 04, 2016 at 11:38 AM about the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 280

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Brakes and brake pedal works fine after car warms up but before any start up
the brake pedal sticks low when the car sits for a while.

1 Answer

41,865

I suggest you begin with this... Functional test: 1. With the engine stopped, Depress the brake pedal several times, then depress the pedal hard and hold that pressure for 15 seconds. If the pedal sinks, the master cylinder, brake line or a brake caliper is faulty 2. Start the engine with the pedal depressed. If the pedal sinks slightly, the vacuum booster is working. If the pedal height does not vary, the booster or the check valve is faulty Leak Test: 1. Depress the brake pedal with the engine running then stop the engine. If the pedal height does not vary while depressed for 30 seconds, the vacuum booster is OK. If the pedal rises, the booster is faulty 2. With the engine stopped, depress the brake pedal several times using normal pressure. When the pedal is first depressed, it should be low. On consecutive applications, the pedal height should gradually rise. If the pedal position does not vary, check the booster check valve. Check valve test: 1. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose at the booster. 2. Start the engine and let it idle. There should be a vacuum available. If no vacuum is available, the check valve is not working correctly. Replace the check valve and retest.

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