Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

Symptom Troubleshooting

Rapid brake pad wear, vehicle vibration (after a long drive), or high, hard brake pedal

NOTICE
If the brake system indicator is on with the buzzer sounding, do not drive the vehicle. Check the advanced hydraulic booster system.

NOTE: Make sure that the caliper pins are installed correctly.
The upper caliper pin B and lower caliper pin A are different. If the pins are installed in the wrong location, it will cause vibration, uneven and rapid pad wear, and possibly uneven tire wear. For proper caliper pin location.

1. Check the advanced hydraulic booster system. Make sure the indicators are not turned on.
2. Drive the vehicle until the brakes drag or until the pedal is high and hard. This can take 20 or more brake pedal applications during an extended test-drive.
3. With the engine running, raise the vehicle on a lift, and spin all four wheels by hand.

Is there brake drag at any of the wheels?

YES - Go to step 4.

NO - Look for other causes of pad wear, high pedal, or vehicle vibration.

4. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), pump the brake pedal to deplete the advanced hydraulic booster system, then spin the wheels again to check for brake drag.

Is there brake drag at any of the wheels?

YES - Go to step 5.

NO - Replace the servo unit.

5. Remove the brake pedal position switch, then spin the wheels to check for brake drag.

Is there brake drag at any of the wheels?

YES - Go to step 6.

NO - Check the brake pedal position switch adjustment and pedal free play.

6. Loosen the hydraulic lines at the master cylinder, then spin the wheels to check for brake drag.

Is there brake drag at any of the wheels?

YES - Go to step 7.

NO - Check the master cylinder reservoir for contamination in the brake fluid. If you find contamination, flush the entire brake system of all contaminated fluid. If the brake fluid is OK, replace the master cylinder.

7. Loosen the bleed screws at each caliper or wheel cylinder, then spin the wheels to check for brake drag.

Is there brake drag at any of the wheels?

YES - Check the master cylinder reservoir for contamination in the brake fluid. If you find contamination, flush the entire brake system of all contaminated fluid. If the brake fluid is OK, disassemble and repair the caliper or wheel cylinder on the wheel(s) experiencing brake drag.

NO - Look for and replace any damaged brake lines. If all brake lines are OK, replace the ABS modulator-control unit.