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Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Red Seal Exam Prep · Question

A hydraulic excavator exhibits spongy brake pedal feel and requires excessive pedal travel to achieve braking. There are no external leaks visible. What is the most probable cause?

Air trapped in the hydraulic brake lines is compressible, leading to a spongy pedal feel and increased pedal travel as the air is compressed before hydraulic pr

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Question: A hydraulic excavator exhibits spongy brake pedal feel and requires excessive pedal travel to achieve braking. There are no external leaks visible. What is the most probable cause?

Answer options:

  • Contaminated brake fluid in the reservoir ✅ Air trapped within the hydraulic brake lines
  • Worn master cylinder piston seals
  • Seized hydraulic brake caliper pistons

Correct answer: Air trapped within the hydraulic brake lines

Explanation: Air trapped in the hydraulic brake lines is compressible, leading to a spongy pedal feel and increased pedal travel as the air is compressed before hydraulic pressure is transferred to the calipers. Worn master cylinder seals would cause fluid bypass and possibly a slowly dropping pedal, but a spongy pedal strongly indicates air. Contaminated fluid might affect component life but not directly cause sponginess immediately without other symptoms, and seized pistons would cause reduced braking or dragging.

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