why does my Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019) have a hard brake pedal

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather all necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
• Wear safety gloves and goggles for protection.

2. Inspect and Replace Brake Fluid

• Tools Required: Brake fluid, funnel, shop towels.
• Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder; if low, fill to the required level with the appropriate brake fluid (usually DOT 4).
• Inspect the brake fluid for contamination or discoloration; if contaminated, proceed to flush and replace the fluid.

3. Check and Replace Brake Booster

• Tools Required: Wrench set, screwdriver set, vacuum gauge.
• Disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose.
• Use a vacuum gauge to test the vacuum applied to the brake booster; if the reading is below specifications, the vacuum source may be faulty.
• If the brake booster is defective, remove it by unbolting it from the brake master cylinder and firewall, disconnecting the pushrod, and replacing it with a new unit.

4. Inspect Brake Lines and Calipers

• Tools Required: Wrench set, brake line wrench.
• Visually inspect all brake lines for signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks.
• Tighten any loose connections and replace any damaged lines or calipers as necessary.

5. Reassemble and Bleed Brakes

• Tools Required: Brake bleeder kit, wrench.
• Reconnect any components that were removed during the inspection and replacement process.
• Bleed the brake system to remove any air pockets using a brake bleeder kit, following proper bleeding sequence (usually starting from the furthest wheel from the master cylinder).