When a brake pedal is hard to push a few minutes after the engine is turned off, what does Technician A say regarding this condition?

• A. It indicates a leak in the booster.
• B. It is a normal condition.
• C. It suggests a faulty master cylinder.
• D. It requires immediate inspection.

Answer: (B)

When the brake pedal feels hard to push a few minutes after the engine is turned off, it can be considered a normal condition. This is because, when the engine is running, the power brake booster creates a vacuum that assists in applying the brakes, making the pedal easier to press. However, once the engine is turned off, the vacuum that assists the brake booster starts to dissipate. As a result, without that assistance, the brake pedal will feel firmer and require more effort to press. This hard pedal is therefore expected and does not necessarily indicate any malfunction in the brake system.

While other options might suggest potential issues, a hard brake pedal after engine shut-off is a regular and anticipated outcome of how brake boosters function.