General Diagnostic Table: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Subaru Tribeca. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Trouble and possible cause		Corrective action
1. Insufficient braking performance	(1) Fluid leakage from the hydraulic mechanism	Correct or replace. (cup, piston seal, piston boot, master cylinder piston kit, pipe or hose)
	(2) Entry of air into the hydraulic mechanism	Bleed air.
	(3) Wear, deteriorated surface material, water or fluid on lining	Replace, grind or clean.
	(4) Improper operation of master cylinder, disc caliper, brake booster or check valve	Correct or replace.
2. Unstable or uneven braking	(1) Fluid on lining or rotor	Correct the cause of fluid leakage, and clean or replace.
	(2) Rotor defective	Repair or replace the rotor.
	(3) Improper lining contact, deteriorated surface, deteriorated or worn lining material	Repair by grinding, or replace.
	(4) Deformed back plate	Correct or replace.
	(5) Overinflation of tires	Adjust air pressure.
	(6) Defective wheel alignment	Adjust alignment.
	(7) Loose back plate or support installation bolt	Tighten to the specified torque.
	(8) Faulty wheel bearing	Replace.
	(9) Defective hydraulic system	Replace the cylinder, brake pipe or hose.
	(10) Unstable performance of parking brake	Check, adjust or replace the rear brake and cable system.
3. Excessive pedal stroke	(1) Entry of air into the hydraulic mechanism	Bleed air.
	(2) Excessive play in the master cylinder push rod	Adjust.
	(3) Fluid leakage from the hydraulic mechanism	Correct or replace. (cup, piston seal, piston boot, master cylinder piston kit, pipe or hose)
	(4) Improper lining contact or worn lining	Correct or replace.
4. Brake dragging or improper brake return	(1) Insufficient pedal play	Adjust play.
	(2) Improper master cylinder return	Clean or replace the cylinder.
	(3) Clogged hydraulic system	Replace.
	(4) Improper return or adjustment of parking brake	Repair or adjust.
	(5) Weakened spring tension or breakage of shoe return spring	Replace the spring.
	(6) Improper disc caliper operation	Correct or replace.
	(7) Faulty wheel bearing	Replace.
5. Brake noise (1) (creaking sound)	(1) Hardened or deteriorated brake pad	Replace the pad.
	(2) Worn brake pad	Replace the pad.
	(3) Loose back plate or support installation bolt	Tighten to the specified torque.
	(4) Loose wheel bearing	Tighten to the specified torque.
	(5) Dirty rotor	Clean the rotor, or clean and replace brake assembly.
6. Brake noise (2) (hissing sound)	(1) Worn brake pad	Replace the pad.
	(2) Improperly installed pad	Correct or replace the pad.
	(3) Loose or bent rotor	Retighten or replace.
7. Brake noise (3) (click sound)	Excessively worn pad or support	Replace the pad or the support.