Symptom Chart

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
The red brake warning indicator is always ON	Brake fluid level Brake fluid leak	If the fluid level is below the minimum level, CHECK the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary.
	Parking brake switch Brake fluid level switch Circuitry Instrument cluster	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER article.
The red brake warning indicator is inoperative	Circuitry Instrument cluster	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER article.
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear and for correct inflation.
	Brake pads or shoes Brake components	CHECK the brake pads and shoes for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake discs and drums and the hubs for damage. REPAIR as necessary.
	Suspension component Wheel alignment	CHECK the wheel alignment. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
The brake pedal goes down fast	Brake fluid level	INSPECT the system for leaks and REPAIR as necessary. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding .
	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks and REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test under Component Tests .
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks and REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component tests under Component Tests .
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 .
	Anti-lock brake control system	CHECK the anti-lock brake control system. REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS article.
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 and REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component tests under Component Tests .
	Brake pads	CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear.
	Brake pedal	CHECK the brake pedal for binding or obstructions. REPAIR as necessary.
The 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 calipers or wheel cylinders	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers or wheel cylinders as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front brake discs, REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear brake discs or DRUM BRAKE article for rear drum brakes.
	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the brake booster component test under Component Tests .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test under Component Tests .
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Uneven brake pad or brake shoe wear Brake disc pad transfer Brake disc or drum Suspension components	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in Inspection and Verification . Go to Pinpoint Test A .
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 FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front brake discs, REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear brake discs or DRUM BRAKE article for rear drum brakes.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the brake booster component test under Component Tests .
	Brake booster check valve	CARRY OUT the check valve component test under Component Tests .
	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 FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front brake discs or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear brake discs.
	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 article for front brake discs or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear brake discs.
	Loose brake disc shield	CHECK for loose or damaged brake disc shields. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front brake discs or REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear brake discs.
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with ABS brakes	ABS hydraulic control unit	Acceptable condition.
Squealing noise - occurs on first 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 minimum thickness.	INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY the brake pads and shoes are within minimum specifications. REFER to Brake Pads and Brake Shoes .
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 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 .
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 article for front brake discs, REAR DISC BRAKE article for rear brake discs, or DRUM BRAKE article for rear drum brakes.