Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

Brakes noisy
Possible Source(s):
^ Brake pads.
^ Brake discs.
Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test A. Pinpoint Test A: Brakes Noisy

Vibration when brakes are applied
Possible Source(s):
^ Wheels require balancing.
^ Wheel hub nuts.
^ Brake caliper mounting bolts.
^ Brake pads.
^ Foreign material/scratches/corrosion on brake disc contact surfaces.
^ Excessive brake disc thickness variation.
^ Excessive brake disc runout.
^ Wheel bearing wear or failure.
^ Suspension bush wear or failure.
^ Steering bush wear or failure.
Action(s) to take:
^ Go to Pinpoint Test B. Pinpoint Test B: Vibration when brakes applied

The brakes pull or drift
Possible Source(s):
^ Tire pressures/wear.
^ Brake calipers.
^ Brake pads.
^ Brake discs.
^ Wheel alignment adjustment.
^ Wheel bearing.
^ Suspension bushes and ball joints.
Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test C. Pinpoint Test C: the Brakes Pull or Drift

The pedal feels spongy
Possible Source(s):
^ Air in brake system.
^ Leak in hydraulic system.
^ Brake booster/master cylinder.
^ Brake pads.
Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test D. Pinpoint Test D: The Pedal Feels Spongy

The pedal goes down fast
Possible Source(s):
^ Air in brake system.
^ Leak in hydraulic system.
^ Brake booster/master cylinder.
^ Brake pads.
Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test E. Pinpoint Test E: The Pedal Goes Down Fast

The pedal goes down slowly
Possible Source(s):
^ Air in brake system.
^ Brake booster/master cylinder.
Action(s) to take:
^ Go to Pinpoint Test F. Pinpoint Test F: The Pedal Goes Down Slowly

Excessive brake pedal effort
Possible Source(s):
^ Brake pads.
^ Brake booster.
Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test G. Pinpoint Test G: Excessive Brake Pedal Effort

Brake lockup during light brake pedal force
Possible Source(s):
^ Brake pads.
^ Brake calipers.
Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test H. Pinpoint Test H: Brake Lockup During Light Brake Pedal Force

Brakes drag
Possible Source(s):
^ Parking brake control applied/malfunction.
^ Seized parking brake cables.
^ Seized caliper slide pins.
^ Seized brake caliper.
^ Brake booster.
^ Pedal gear.
Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test I. Pinpoint Test I: Brakes Drag

Excessive/Erratic brake pedal travel
Possible Source(s):
^ Hydraulic system.
^ Brake pads.
^ Brake discs.
^ Hub and bearing assembly.
Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test J. Pinpoint Test J: Excessive/Erratic Brake Pedal Travel

The red brake warning indicator is always on
Possible Source(s):
^ Fluid level.
Action(s) to take:
^ FILL the system to specification. CHECK for leaks.

Possible Source(s):
^ Brake fluid level sensor.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSTALL a new brake master cylinder fluid reservoir.

Possible Source(s):
^ Parking brake control.
Action(s) to take:

Possible Source(s):
^ Electrical circuit.
Action(s) to take:

Slow or incomplete brake pedal return
Possible Source(s):
^ Brake pedal binding.
^ Brake booster/master cylinder.
Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test K. Pinpoint Test K: Slow or Incomplete Brake Pedal Return