Symptom Chart

SYMPTOM CHART

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
The red brake warning indicator is always on	Brake fluid level.	FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line.
	Parking brake.	Make sure the parking brake is fully released.
	Circuitry.	CARRY OUT CAN diagnostics.
	Controller area network (CAN) communication system. Instrument cluster. Smart junction box (SJB).	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
The red brake warning indicator is inoperative	Circuitry. Instrument cluster. Missing CAN communication.	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 or shoes.	CHECK the brake pads and shoes for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	Brake components.
	Brake components.	CHECK the brake pads and shoes for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	Suspension component.	CHECK the wheel alignment. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
	Wheel alignment.
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 in this article.
	Air in system.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING in this article.
	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER COMPONENT TEST in this article.
The brake pedal goes down slowly	Air in system.	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING in this article.
The brake pedal goes down slowly	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER COMPONENT TEST in this article.
Brake lockup under light brake pedal force	Brake pads and shoes.	CHECK the brake pads and shoes 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 AND ACTUATION .
	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(s) or wheel cylinder(s).	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING in this article.
	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER COMPONENT TEST in this article.
	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 AND ACTUATION .
	Brake caliper anchor plate guide pins.	REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals and boots. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER ANCHOR PLATE GUIDE PINS in this article.
	Disc brake caliper(s) or wheel cylinder(s).	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or DRUM BRAKE for rear drum brakes.
	Brake booster.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE BOOSTER COMPONENT TEST in this article.
	Brake master cylinder.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER COMPONENT TEST in this article.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster.	CARRY OUT the BRAKE BOOSTER COMPONENT TEST in this article.
	Brake booster check valve.	CARRY OUT the CHECK VALVE COMPONENT TEST in this article.
	Brake booster manifold vacuum hose.	REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Uneven brake pad or brake shoe wear. Brake disc pad transfer. Brake disc or drum.	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION in this article.
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Suspension components.	GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released	Brake caliper anchor plate guide pins.	INSPECT the brake caliper anchor plate guide pins for correct operation. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER ANCHOR PLATE GUIDE PINS in this article.
	Brake drag.	INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper or wheel cylinder as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or DRUM BRAKE for rear drum brakes.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose.	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE .
	Damaged or worn brake caliper anchor plate guide pins or retainers.	CHECK the brake caliper anchor plate guide pins and retainers for lubrication and correct operation. LUBRICATE or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to BRAKE CALIPER ANCHOR PLATE GUIDE PINS in this article.
	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 .
	Loose brake disc shield.	TIGHTEN the brake disc shield bolts to specification. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE .
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with anti-lock brake system (ABS) brakes	ABS hydraulic control unit.	Acceptable condition.
Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application	Brake pads or shoes.	Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal	Brake pads or shoes worn below the minimum thickness.	INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY the brake pads and shoes are within the minimum specifications. REFER to BRAKE PADS and BRAKE SHOES in this article.
Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal brought on by cold, heat, water, mud or snow	Brake pads or shoes.	Acceptable condition.
Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping)	Brake pads or shoes.	Acceptable condition.
Grinding noise - continuous	Brake pads or shoes worn below the minimum thickness.	INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs, brake shoes, brake drums and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY the brake components are within specifications. REFER to SPECIFICATIONS in this article.
Moaning noise	Brake pads or shoes contaminated with grease or oil.	INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or DRUM BRAKE for rear drum brakes.