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Hard brake pedal on startup

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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 07:56 AM
  #1  
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Default Hard brake pedal on startup

Hi,
When I depress the brake pedal to start my 2008 ES350 the pedal is very hard to depress. sometimes it won't start because the pedal isn't pushed far enough. Once it starts the brakes work normally. Back in July when I went for an inspection sticker they topped off the brake fluid because the brake light was on, the level is not above the level mark. The brake pads look fine too, not sure what it might be.
also,I have been using Bridgestone taranza tires which were on this car, but they don't seem to last, this is my second set and I have under 60,000 miles on it. Any suggestions for all season tires that are quiet and good in snow, I live in the northeast and there is no override button, if my tires spin they stop. What are the recommended ratings I need for tires such as speed rating.
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 09:05 AM
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Probably you have a leak somewhere in the brake booster.

Last edited by ESh; Oct 10, 2016 at 11:12 AM.
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by LjeksesES
Probably you have leak somewhere in the brake booster.
Yes, or a vacuum leak outside the booster. Have you done any mods or repairs that involved vacuum hoses recently?
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 11:45 AM
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Default hard brake pedal

No mods at all, I put on new rotors and pads in front last October.
I will check out the booster and vacuum lines, thanks for the suggestions
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 06:16 PM
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I think Michelin MXVs are the best established tire to get for these cars. Quiet and my experiences in heavy snow have been great. They last a long time too.
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Old Oct 11, 2016 | 07:56 AM
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I would invest in a set of snow tires especially if you live in colder climes. The rubber is softer which makes for better traction in colder weather.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 11:09 AM
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Thanks to all, I am checking on the michelins and purchasing the check valve
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Old Feb 1, 2017 | 05:07 PM
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Any resolution to this?
I am having the same issue
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Old Apr 19, 2024 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Nikod7
Hi,
When I depress the brake pedal to start my 2008 ES350 the pedal is very hard to depress. sometimes it won't start because the pedal isn't pushed far enough. Once it starts the brakes work normally. Back in July when I went for an inspection sticker they topped off the brake fluid because the brake light was on, the level is not above the level mark. The brake pads look fine too, not sure what it might be.
also,I have been using Bridgestone taranza tires which were on this car, but they don't seem to last, this is my second set and I have under 60,000 miles on it. Any suggestions for all season tires that are quiet and good in snow, I live in the northeast and there is no override button, if my tires spin they stop. What are the recommended ratings I need for tires such as speed rating.
what did you find? I am having the same issue on my car.
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Old Mar 25, 2025 | 11:40 AM
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Have had same issue, most commonly, it's one of these three things:
(a) one-way valve on brake booster is leaking (rare, but it happens)
(b) Vacuum line from engine to brake booster is leaking
(c) Brake booster is dying - needs replacement
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