Michigan State Brakes Certification Practice Exam

Brakes dragging occurs when the brake components fail to fully disengage after the driver releases the brake pedal, which can create excessive friction and heat. A stuck wheel cylinder or caliper piston is a common cause of this issue. When the wheel cylinder or piston becomes stuck due to corrosion, debris, or lack of lubrication, it may not return to its fully retracted position. This failure leads to the brake pads or shoes remaining partially engaged with the rotor or drum, resulting in dragging.

In contrast, the other options involve different components of the braking system. A damaged brake pad might lead to decreased stopping power or noise, but it does not typically cause dragging. A malfunctioning brake booster affects the effort needed to press the brake pedal but does not directly keep the brakes engaged after the pedal is released. An improperly adjusted brake line may impact fluid movement but usually pertains more to brake performance rather than causing dragging directly. Thus, the issue of dragging brakes is most closely associated with the malfunction of the wheel cylinder or caliper piston.