100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

friedrich_steel3

Spongy Brake Pedal Points to Brake Fluid System in Audi

My brake pedal feels spongy and inconsistent when pressing down. Had a poor experience with my last mechanic, so looking for advice before going back. Could this be related to low brake fluid or the hydraulic brakes system? Car details: 2011 Audi A5, Gasoline engine, 27876 KM, Brake warning light not on yet, No visible fluid leaks noticed Has anyone dealt with similar brake pedal issues? What was the cause and repair cost in your case?

4 comment(s)

levi_blade3

Had the same brake pedal issue with my 2014 Audi A4. The spongy feeling when pressing the brake pedal turned out to be air trapped in the hydraulic brakes system. In my case, the brake system needed a complete fluid flush and bleeding. The mechanic found the brake fluid had absorbed moisture over time, which is a common issue in brake systems. Though the warning light wasnt showing, the fluid had degraded enough to affect brake performance. The repair involved: Complete brake fluid flush, Bleeding all brake lines, Inspection of brake components, Testing brake pressure at all wheels This was classified as a serious safety issue requiring immediate attention. Even without visible leaks, compromised brake fluid can lead to brake failure. The hydraulic brakes need clean, moisture-free fluid to maintain proper pressure and consistent pedal feel. Would recommend getting it checked soon, especially since these symptoms match what I experienced. Waiting too long could lead to more extensive brake system repairs.

friedrich_steel3 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear you got the hydraulic brakes fixed. My A5 needed similar service, and the brake pedal has felt solid ever since the repair. Quick question, do you remember roughly what you paid for the brake fluid flush and system bleeding? Also, has the brake pedal remained consistent since the repair, or have you noticed any other issues? In my case, the mechanic also suggested doing a full brake inspection while the car was up on the lift, which helped catch some early pad wear. Might be worth considering during your service.

levi_blade3

Thanks for following up. Since having the mechanic fix the brake fluid level and bleed the system, my brake pedal has remained firm and reliable. The hydraulic brakes are working perfectly with no spongy feeling or inconsistency when pressing down. The complete service cost me 480 Euro, which covered both the brake fluid flush and addressing the worn brakes they discovered during the inspection. It was worth every cent for the peace of mind. The brake system now responds exactly as it should. Good call on getting that full brake inspection while the car was lifted. A thorough check of all brake components is essential for catching potential issues early. Having consistent, reliable brakes is crucial for safety, so I never hesitate to have the system checked when something feels off. The warning light never came on in my case either, which shows why regular brake inspections are important even without obvious warning signs.

friedrich_steel3 (Author)

After getting multiple opinions, I finally took my car to a certified mechanic last week. The master cylinder was indeed the culprit, along with old brake fluid that needed replacement. The repair included: Complete brake fluid flush, New master cylinder installation, Brake line inspection, System bleeding and testing Total cost came to 850 Euro, which was higher than expected but worth it for properly functioning brakes. The pedal now feels firm and consistent, completely different from the spongy feeling before. The mechanic took time explaining the entire brake system and showed me the old parts. Much better experience than my previous shop. Think I found my new regular mechanic. For anyone facing similar issues, dont wait too long. What starts as a minor brake pedal problem can quickly develop into a major safety concern.

Join the discussion now: