Slight clarification: the brakes don't work as well because the vacuum booster isn't operating (no running motor to create the vacuum for the boosting). The rea

Slight clarification: the brakes don't work as well because the vacuum booster isn't operating (no running motor to create the vacuum for the boosting). The reason the brakes get more difficult with each pump (when the engine isn't running) is because you're gradually using what little vacuum boost is left, until there just isn't any. And if you'll allow me just a teensy bit more pedantry, you are also turning against the power steering pump when the engine is off. Our '81 VW camper doesn't have power steering, and it isn't as hard to turn as a car with power steering but a non-running engine.