Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Symptom Table

Use the table below to find the cause of the problem. The numbers indicate the priority of the possible causes. Check each part in order. Replace these parts as necessary.

Symptom	Suspect area	Reference
Pedal sinks or spongy pedal	1. Brake system (fluid leak) 2. Brake system (air) 3. Piston seals (worn or damaged) 4. Rear brake shoe clearance (not adjusted) 5. Master cylinder (malfunction)	Repair Bleed Replace Adjust Replace
Brake drag	1. Brake Pedal Free Play (Minimum) 2. Parking Brake Lever Stroke (Not Adjusted) 3. Parking Brake Cable (Seized) 4. Rear Brake Shoe Clearance (Not Adjusted) 5. Lining (Cracked or Deformed) 6. Piston (Stuck) 7. Piston (Frozen) 8. Anchor or Return Spring (Not Working) 9. Booster System (Vacuum Leaks) 10. Master Cylinder (Not Working)	Adjust Adjust Repair Adjust Replace Replace Replace Replace Replace Replace
Brake linkage	1. Piston (Sticking) 2. Pad (Greasy) 3. Piston (Frozen) 4. Disc (Scored) 5. Pad Lining (Cracked or Deformed)	Replace Replace Replace Replace Replace
Hard pedal, but brakes ineffective	1. Brake System (Fluid Leak) 2. Brake System (Air) 3. Pad Lining (Worn) 4. Pad Lining (Cracked or Deformed) 5. Rear Brake Shoe Clearance (Not Adjusted) 6. Pad (Greasy) 7. Pad (Glazed) 8. Disc (Scored) 9. Booster System (Vacuum Leaks)	Repair Bleed Replace Replace Adjust Replace Replace Replace Replace
Brake noise	1. Shoe (Cracked or Deformed) 2. Guide Bolt (Loose) 3. Disc (Scored) 4. Slide Pin (Worn) 5. Pad (Dirty) 6. Pad (Glazed) 7. Anchor or Return Spring (Faulty) 8. Pad Shim (Damaged)	Replace Adjust Replace Replace Clean Replace Replace Replace
Brake fading	1. Master cylinder (malfunction)	Replace
Brake vibration, pulsation	1. Brake booster (vacuum leak) 2. Brake pedal free play 3. Master cylinder (malfunction) 4. Caliper (damage) 5. Master cylinder cap seal 6. Brake lines damaged.	Replace Adjust Replace Replace Replace Replace
Brake Judder	Brake vibration is usually caused by loose or worn components, as well as glazed or burnt linings. Rotors with hard spots may also contribute to brake vibration. Other causes of brake vibration are rotors out of tolerance, brake pads not securely attached to the shoes, loose wheel hub bearings and contaminated brake drums.