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 article.
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear and 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, the drums and the hubs for damage. REPAIR as necessary.
	Suspension component Wheel alignment	CHECK the wheel alignment. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
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 the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test.
The brake pedal goes down slowly	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test.
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 article.
	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. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding .
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the 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 component	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE AND ACTUATION article.
	Brake caliper anchor plate guide pins	REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals and boots. REFER to Brake Caliper Anchor Plate Guide Pins.
	Disc brake caliper(s) or wheel cylinder(s)	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for front disc brakes or DRUM BRAKE article for rear drum brakes.
	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test.
	Brake booster check valve	CARRY OUT the Check Valve Component Test.
	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 Suspension components	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in Inspection and Verification. 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.
	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 disc brakes or DRUM BRAKE article for rear drum brakes.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article.
	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.
	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.
	Loose brake disc shield	TIGHTEN the brake disc shield bolts to specification. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article.
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.
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.
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 disc brakes or DRUM BRAKE article for rear drum brakes.