Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Section 138 (Brakes - Repair): Troubleshooting: Notes
Brake performance is mainly affected by 3 things: level and condition of brake fluid, brake system's ability to create and maintain hydraulic pressure, and condition of friction components. Tires and wheels are important parts of the braking system. Check tires for wear, flat spots, trueness and proper inflation. Visually check the hydraulic system starting at the master cylinder. Check all brake fluid lines and couplings for leaks, kinks, chafing and corrosion.
On vehicles with vacuum brake booster, check brake booster by pumping brake pedal approximately 10 times with engine off. Then hold down brake pedal and start engine. Pedal should fall slightly. If not, check for any visible faults before suspecting a faulty brake booster. Check for strong vacuum at vacuum hose fitting on booster. Ensure vacuum check valve has one-way flow. For trouble shooting symptoms, see SYMPTOM INDEX table.
| Symptom | See Symptom Table |
|---|---|
| Brakes Pull To One Side | A |
| Brakes Excessively Hot While Driving | B |
| Poor Braking Effect In Spite Of Great Force On Pedal, Brake Pedal Travel Normal | C |
| Poor Braking Effect In Spite Of Great Force On Pedal, Brake Pedal Travel Short | C |
| Poor Braking Effect In Spite Of Great Force On Pedal, Brake Pedal Travel Long | C |
| Brake Pedal Motion Too Soft & Spongy | D |
| Brake Pedal Travel Is Excessive Even Though Brakes Have Been Bled & Adjusted | E |
| Uneven Pad Wear | F |
| Brake Pads Worn At Angle | G |
| Seized Brake Pads, Pad Does Not Move Off Brake Disc | H |
| Brakes Squeal Or Rattle | I |
| Brake Pedal Dead Travel Excessive | J |
| Jammed Piston In Brake Caliper | K |
| Pulsating Effect On Brake Pedal | L |
| Parking Brake Effect Insufficient | M |
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.