Symptom Chart: Notes

Symptom Chart

SYMPTOM CHART

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
The red brake warning indicator is always on	Brake fluid level Parking brake Circuitry Instrument cluster	FILL the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line. CHECK that the parking brake is fully released. REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
Red brake warning indicator inoperative	Circuitry Bulb	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure Brake pads Brake components Suspension component Wheel alignment	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation. 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. CHECK the wheel alignment. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
Brake pedal goes down fast	Brake fluid level Air in system Brake master cylinder	INSPECT the system for leaks. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING . CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER component test.
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Air in system Brake master cylinder	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING . CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER component test.
Brake lockup under light brake pedal force	Brake pads Brake component Parking brake component Anti-lock brake control system	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake components for correct operation. REPAIR as necessary. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE & ACTUATION . 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 Brake master cylinder Brake pads Brake pedal	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING . CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER component test. CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear. CHECK the brake pedal for binding or obstructions. REPAIR as necessary.
Brakes drag	Parking brake component Brake caliper guide pins Disc brake caliper Brake booster Brake master cylinder	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE & ACTUATION . REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals, and boots. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS in Diagnostics and Testing. REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes. CARRY OUT the BRAKE BOOSTER component test. CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER component test.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster Brake booster check valve Brake booster manifold vacuum hose.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE BOOSTER component test. CARRY OUT the CHECK VALVE component test. REROUTE, REPAIR, or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose Damaged or worn caliper guide pins or retainers Missing or damaged anti-rattle clips or springs Loose brake disc shield	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes. 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 in Diagnostics and Testing. CHECK the brake pads for missing clips or broken springs. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes. TIGHTEN the brake disc shield bolts to specification. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with anit-lock brake system (ABS) brakes	ABS hydraulic control unit	Acceptable condition.
Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application	Brake pads	Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal	Brake pads or linings worn below minimum thickness	INSPECT brake pads for excessive wear, taper wear, or uneven wear. VERIFY the brake pads are within the minimum specification. REFER to BRAKE PADS in Diagnostics and Testing.
Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal brought on by cold, heat, water, mud, or snow	Brake pads	Acceptable condition.
Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping)	Brake pads	Acceptable condition.
Grinding noise - continuous	Brake pads or linings worn below the minimum thickness	INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs, and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY the brake pads are within the minimum specification. REFER to BRAKE PADS in Diagnostics and Testing.
Moaning noise	Brake linings contaminated with grease or oil	INSPECT the brake pads for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
The adjustable brake pedal is inoperative	Adjustable pedal switch Circuitry Adjustable pedal motor Driver seat module (DSM)	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
The adjustable brake pedal does not operate correctly	Circuitry Adjustable pedal potentiometer Driver seat module (DSM)	GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
Vibration when 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 E .
Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released	Brake caliper guide pins Brake drag	INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins for correct operation. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes. INSPECT the brake pads for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.