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Home/Cars/BMW/5 Series/F10/F11 (2010-2017)/how to fix brake pedal that goes to the floor in my BMW 5 Series F10/F11 (2010-2017)?

how to fix brake pedal that goes to the floor in my BMW 5 Series F10/F11 (2010-2017)?

BMW 5 Series F10/F11 (2010-2017)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
4 min read
635 words

Problem Statement

## Problem Statement The brake pedal on your BMW 5 Series F10/F11 (2010-2017) goes to the floor without engaging the brakes properly, indicating a potential hydraulic issue within the braking system.

Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Safety Warnings:**
  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow brake components to cool before handling to avoid burns.

Symptoms

  • •Brake pedal feels soft or spongy
  • •Loss of braking power
  • •Brake warning light illuminated on the dashboard
  • •Fluid leaks under the vehicle
  • •Air hissing sound when the brake pedal is pressed

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir and check for any leaks in the system.
  2. 2Examine brake lines for any signs of damage or corrosion.
  3. 3Check the brake master cylinder for signs of failure or leaks.
  4. 4Bleed the brake system to remove any air trapped in the lines.
  5. 5Inspect brake calipers for proper operation and any signs of leakage.
  6. 6Test the brake booster for proper vacuum and functionality.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather necessary tools and parts.
  • Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and securely lifted with jack stands.
  • Disconnect the battery to avoid electrical issues.

2. Inspect and Replace Brake Fluid

  • Tools Required: Brake fluid, funnel, clean rags.
  • Check the brake fluid reservoir; if the fluid is low or contaminated, drain the old fluid.
  • Refill with high-quality brake fluid (DOT 4 recommended).

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Lines

  • Tools Required: Socket set, brake line wrench, new brake lines.
  • Check for leaks or damage in the brake lines; if found, replace with new lines.
  • Use a brake line wrench to loosen and remove the affected line, then install the new line and torque to manufacturer specifications.

4. Check and Replace the Master Cylinder

  • Tools Required: Socket set, line wrenches, new master cylinder, brake fluid.
  • Disconnect the brake lines from the master cylinder using line wrenches to avoid damage.
  • Remove the master cylinder mounting bolts and detach the cylinder.
  • Install the new master cylinder, ensuring proper alignment, and torque the bolts to specifications.
  • Reconnect brake lines and refill the system with brake fluid.

5. Bleed the Brake System

  • Tools Required: Brake bleeder kit or hose, container for old fluid.
  • Have an assistant pump the brake pedal several times and hold it down.
  • Open the bleeder valve on the farthest brake caliper from the master cylinder, allowing fluid and air to escape.
  • Close the valve and have the assistant release the brake pedal; repeat until no air bubbles are present.
  • Move to the next caliper and repeat the process until all calipers are bled.

6. Check Brake Booster

  • Tools Required: Vacuum gauge (if needed).
  • Inspect the brake booster for signs of vacuum leaks (listen for hissing).
  • If the booster is faulty, remove it by disconnecting the vacuum line and mounting bolts, then replace it.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Check the brake fluid reservoir; if the fluid is low or contaminated, drain the old fluid.
  • Refill with high-quality brake fluid (DOT 4 recommended).

Parts Required

  • Brake fluid (DOT 4)
  • New brake lines (if damaged)
  • New master cylinder (if faulty)
  • Brake booster (if faulty)

Additional Information

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

2 items

Parts

4 items

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