Brake pedal suddenly hard to push

All of a sudden, the brake pedal is hard to push, and braking is very difficult. Could it be the power booster? Almost $900 from the dealer. Has anyone else had a similar problem?

 

Sounds like the booster, there has to be less expensive ones available than one from the dealer.

 

I agree it does appear to be the booster.

 

I wonder if maybe the vacuum line became disconnected or if there is a leak in the line somewhere? I don't see boosters fail too often. not to say it can't happen. you can spray a little carb cleaner around the suspected area while your engine is running. (you're probably hearing some hissing noise from a vacuum leak?). when the carb clean gets sucked in from where ever your leak is, your rpms should go up a little bit. that should isolate where you're having a leak. hope this helps! good luck.

 

I would find it hard to believe a 2012 has a bad booster already. My 99 still works fine. Check for vacuum leaks.

Also, brake systems are where I don't cheap out. Learned that from experience. Order from who you want, but I'd go with Toyota parts.

 

The guys are right very rare for a booster to go. if it is, get a booster they are only 150 dollars and they are very easy to install. If you cant do it yourself take it to any mechanic......do not let the dealer do it.....

 

Lol agree, I don't need to have a bad experience to know I'm not gonna try to find the cheapest stuff for any brake repairs lol.

 

smmmarine, I agree 100 percent about oem parts, the oem booster is 700 compared to cardone rebuilt for 150 , so if moneys tight he may need to settle........anyway good luck and let us know how you make out....................

 

I have a refurbished Cardone Booster on my car, been on there about 10 years now, no issues.

 

Along with checking the vacuum lines to the booster, test the vacuum check valve between the booster and the intake manifold before replacing the booster. If it has failed you will loose the majority of your power assist at times, and is much easier and cheaper to replace than the booster itself.

Assuming the '12 4 cyl. models all have a vacuum booster, or at least yours is.

 

I agree with the statement that a 2012 shouldn't have an issue with the booster. But sh!t happens. If the vacuum line came off the engine would run like crap at idle if it would idle at all. Maybe a vacuum leak....