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 I.

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. For additional information, refer to Brake Fluid Reservoir Service and Repair
Possible Source(s):
- Parking brake control.
Action(s) to take:
- For additional information, For additional information, refer to Parking Brake
Possible Source(s):
- Electrical circuit.
Action(s) to take:
- For additional information, For additional information, refer to Parking Brake

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.