Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

Symptom Chart

Brakes noisy
Possible Source(s):
^ Brake pads.
^ Brake discs.

Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test A.

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 bushing wear or failure.
^ Steering bushing wear or failure.

Action(s) to take:
^ Go to Pinpoint Test B.

The brakes pull or drift
Possible Source(s):
^ Tire pressures/wear.
^ Brake calipers.
^ Brake pads.
^ Brake discs.
^ Wheel alignment adjustment.
^ Wheel bearing.
^ Suspension bushings and ball joints.

Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test C.

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.

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.

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.

Excessive brake pedal effort
Possible Source(s):

^ Brake pads.
^ Brake booster.

Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test G.

Brake lockup during light brake pedal force
Possible Source(s):

^ Brake pads.
^ Brake calipers.

Action(s) to take:
^ GO to Pinpoint Test H.

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 1.

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.

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.
Brake Fluid Reservoir

Possible Source(s):
^ Parking brake control.

Possible Source(s):
^ Electrical circuit.

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.