Automotive Part PickerCar Problems › Hissing noise from under the dashboard when pressing the brake pedal

Hissing noise from under the dashboard when pressing the brake pedal: Causes & How to Fix It

If your vehicle is showing hissing noise from under the dashboard when pressing the brake pedal, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.

Most likely causes

Failed Brake Booster Diaphragm or Internal Valveurgent

The brake booster uses engine vacuum to assist your braking. If the internal rubber diaphragm tears or the atmospheric valve fails, it creates a vacuum leak that hisses loudly into the cabin when the pedal is pressed.

Torn Brake Booster Pushrod Boot / Silenceraddress soon

A rubber boot and foam silencer surround the rod connecting your brake pedal to the booster. If this boot tears from age or wear, the normal rush of air during braking is no longer muffled and becomes an audible hiss.

Cracked or Dislodged Brake Booster Check Valveurgent

The check valve or its rubber grommet on the booster can crack from heat or get knocked loose during under-hood maintenance. Though the leak is in the engine bay, the hissing sound easily travels through the firewall to the dashboard area.

Related problems

Not sure which it is? Run the full AI diagnosis →