What are the symptoms of brake failure? They can differ, depending on the type of brake system you have. As you read them, understand that you don’t win a prize if you wait until your brakes display all the signs of failure before you do something about them. Get them at least properly checked when you see the first symptom.

Signs of auto brake problems include:

-the brake pedal just keeps dropping lower which is a good sign that there is less there to offer resistance
-the brake pedal feels very soft or spongy or requires you to pump it
-it takes longer to get a response from the brakes (a bad sign if there ever is one)
-serious noise when you apply your brakes
-perceptible vibration as you apply the brake pedal
-grabbing or pulling as you push the brake pedal

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should get your car, truck, or SUV to a qualified garage or trusted independent mechanic as soon as possible. Do not delay this because none of these symptoms is apt to improve miraculously on their own. If anything, such problems will get worse; some of them will worsen quickly.

Yet none of these symptoms, either singly or in groups, necessarily means your complete brake system is about to fail. Instead, just one or two components within the brake system may need repair or replacement. This is something best evaluated by a professional mechanic rather than a weekend amateur.
Note: This piece was gleaned from Yahoo Voices and edited to make it more easy to read

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I entirely disagree with you for the following reason : if you have to pump your brake several times for it to be effective then the chances are very high that a brake failure is round the corner and thus a serious cause for concern especially in traffic hold ups. Hence for your own safety and that of others around you need to leave that car alone until its been checked by a qualified mechanic! Never drive a car with bad brakes! The risks are just too much!