Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford RV Cutaway, 2005 Ford Econoline, 2005 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

BRAKE SYSTEM 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.
	Circuitry	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
	Instrument cluster
The red brake warning indicator is never on	Circuitry Bulb Instrument cluster	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation.
	Brake pads Brake components	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 BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT Brake Master Cylinder Component Test.
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT 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 components	CHECK the brake components for correct operation. REPAIR as necessary.
	Parking brake components	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 BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT Brake Master Cylinder Component 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 components	REPAIR or INSTALL new component(s) as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE & ACTUATION .
	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 FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test..
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT Brake Master Cylinder Component Test.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster vacuum hose	REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
	Brake booster check valve	CARRY OUT the Check Valve Component Test.
	Brake booster source vacuum	CHECK for vacuum at the vacuum source. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
	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 FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
	Loose brake disc shield	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 anti-lock brake system (ABS) brakes	ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU)	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 brake pads are within minimum specifications. REFER to BRAKE PADS .
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 minimum thickness	INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake pads are within minimum specifications. REFER to BRAKE PADS .
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.
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 .
Vibration when the brakes are applied		GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
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 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.