I've been driving my '05 8 for a bit over a year now. I've gotten into the habit of pressing down on the brake in addition to the clutch when starting the ignition. I noticed just yesterday that the brake pedal felt like a brick and wouldn't press down at all until the car was started... Up until then the brake pedal was pressing down prior to ignition. Has anyone else noticed this?

 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/power-brake.htm

 

Every car I've ever had (except my 1950 Chevy which doesn't have power brakes) does this.

The brake is vacuum boosted. When there is no vacuum, there is no boost.

 

Then why was the pedal pushing down with ignition off all that time?

 

There is usually a vacuum chamber that holds enough vacuum to apply the breaks one or two times with the engine off. As the vacuum is released you lose the leverage you were getting to apply the breaks and it gets much harder to apply them. You may have pressed your brake pedal after stopping the car last time or a small air leak. I think they usually leak down over time anyway while they sit. Maybe the last time the car just sat longer.

 

This community is a great resource. I'm not mechanically as saavy as some of you out here in RX8 world. In fact, I'm very much a know-nothing. I just like the sexy curves on my (our) car. It's good to know that I can get sound, knowledgable answers to any dumb little question that might pop into my head regarding this little devil of a car.

Thanks to all!