Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM CHART

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
The red brake warning indicator is always on	Brake fluid level	FILL the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line.
The red brake warning indicator is always on	Circuit Instrument cluster	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
Red brake warning indicator inoperative	Circuit Bulb	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation.
	Tire air pressure Brake pads	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake discs and the hubs for damage. REPAIR as necessary.
	Suspension component Wheel alignment	CHECK wheel alignment. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
Brake pedal goes down fast	Brake fluid level	INSPECT the system for leaks. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. REFER to BLEEDING - SYSTEM .
	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BLEEDING - SYSTEM .
	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test.
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BLEEDING - SYSTEM .
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test.
Brake lockup under light brake pedal force	Brake pads	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	Brake component	CHECK the brake components for correct operation. REPAIR as necessary.
	Parking brake component	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE .
	Anti-lock brake control system	CHECK the anti-lock brake control system. REFER to ANTI-LOCK CONTROL .
Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel	Leak in hydraulic system Air in system Disc brake caliper	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BLEEDING - SYSTEM .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - Bypass Condition Test .
	Brake pads	CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear.
	Brake pedal	CHECK the brake pedal for binding or obstructions. REPAIR as necessary.
Brakes drag	Parking brake component	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE .
	Brake caliper guide pins	REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals and boots. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS .
	Disc brake caliper	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to DISC & DRUM article.
	Drum brake component	REPAIR or INSTALL new drum brake components as necessary. REFER to DISC & DRUM article.
	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - Bypass Condition Test .
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster .
	Brake booster check valve	CARRY OUT the Check Valve .
	Brake booster manifold vacuum hose	REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to DISC & DRUM article.
	Damaged or worn caliper guide pins or retainers	CHECK the caliper guide pins and retainers for lubrication and correct operation. LUBRICATE or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS .
	Missing or damaged anti-rattle clips or springs	CHECK the brake pads for missing clips or broken springs. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to DISC & DRUM article.
	Loose brake disc shield	TIGHTEN the brake disc shield bolts to specification. REFER to DISC & DRUM article.
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with ABS brakes	ABS hydraulic control unit	Acceptable condition.
Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application	Brake pads/shoes	Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal	Brake pads or shoes worn below minimum thickness	INSPECT brake pads/shoes for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY brake pads/shoes are within minimum specifications. REFER to BRAKE PADS or BRAKE SHOES .
Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal brought on by cold, heat, water, mud or snow	Brake pad	Acceptable condition.
Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping)	Brake pads	Acceptable condition.
Grinding noise - continuous	Brake pads or shoes worn below minimum thickness	INSPECT the brake pads/shoes, brake discs/drums and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake pads/shoes are within minimum specifications. REFER to BRAKE PADS or BRAKE SHOES .
Moaning noise	Brake linings contaminated with grease or oil	INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to DISC & DRUM for front and rear brakes.
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Uneven brake pad wear Brake disc pad transfer Brake disc Suspension components	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION . Go To PINPOINT TEST A: VIBRATION WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED .
Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released	Brake caliper guide pins	INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins for correct operation. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS .
	Brake drag	INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper or wheel cylinder as necessary. REFER to DISC & DRUM for front and rear brakes.