I was driving downhill and had to suddenly brake hard for some steel plates on the road and when I hit the steel plate the brakes seemed to completely go for a second, then re-engaged. Now the brakes are soft, needing to press the pedal far to get firm braking. What likely happened to the brakes when I hit the bump? I will be bringing it in to get checked out, but would like to get an idea of what the probable issue is.
Thanks
You've left out some important information.
Sorry - 2013 Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv A/T
when I hit the steel plate the brakes seemed to completely go for a second,
probably the ABS engaging (otherwise the wheels would have locked, causing you to skid and lose steering control)
I considered that, but it felt too long to be ABS, and I don't think that would explain why the brakes are now really "squishy". I'm bringing it in today to get checked out.
Brought it in today. They didn't see any fluid loss, no signs of leaks anywhere and braking components (lines, calipers, pads) looked fine, so they think likely something damaged in the master cylinder causing pressurizing issue, so decided to replace the master cylinder. Also my front passenger strut was completely blown. It was already leaking/failing before, so the hard bump hit probably finished it off. $1,600 for the master cylinder and two front struts. Should get it back tomorrow.
Maybe a blown seal in the brake master cylinder. Do you see any fluid on the ground by the wheels?
I don't see any fluid. Someone else said possibly boiled the brake fluid?
Brought it in today. They didn't see any fluid loss, no signs of leaks anywhere and braking components (lines, calipers, pads) looked fine, so they think likely something damaged in the master cylinder causing pressurizing issue, so decided to replace the master cylinder. Also my front passenger strut was completely blown. It was already leaking/failing before, so the hard bump hit probably finished it off. $1,600 for the master cylinder and two front struts. Should get it back tomorrow.
Thanks for the update @nexus-7
Highly unlikely.