How to Troubleshoot Brake Problems

No other system is as important to any vehicle as the brake system, since the brake system is solely responsible for slowing and stopping the vehicle. Brake problems can be difficult to precisely identify without visually inspecting the various components of the system. However, most problems can at least be narrowed down to a few possible causes based on what the vehicle is or is not doing.

Instructions

Vehicle Pulls to One Side

1

Check for low or uneven tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge.

2

Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover and check for a low fluid level in one of the divided sections of the reservoir, which indicates that one or more of the wheel cylinders are leaking. Some fluid reservoirs, particularly those on older vehicles, use a wire to hold the cover onto the reservoir. Rotate the wire to the side and lift the cover off. More modern designs typically use a single bolt in the center of the cover to secure the cover to the fluid reservoir. Remove the bolt with a wrench and lift the cover off of the reservoir. If one side of the fluid reservoir is low, remove the wheels with a lugnut wrench and inspect the wheel cylinders for leaks.

3

Inspect the wheel bearings for signs of wear, such as deep gouges in the surfaces of the bearings.

4

Inspect the brake lining for wear and for the presence of oil or grease.

5

Check whether the brake shoes are improperly adjusted or distorted, if the vehicle is equipped with drum brakes.

Brakes Chatter

6

Inspect the brake lining for a glazed finish and for the presence of oil or grease. Glazing occurs when the lining is subjected to higher-than-normal temperatures, and typically results when the lining has not been replaced for a long period of time.

7

Ensure that each brake's backing plate is not loose. If necessary, tighten the plate's retaining bolts with a wrench.

8

Check for excessive clearance between the brake shoes and the caliper and between the shoe and the splash shield, if the vehicle is equipped with disk brakes. Also check for a missing or improperly positioned shoe hold-down clip.

9

Check each of the front suspension's components if the brakes seem to be in working order but the problem persists.

Excessive Brake Pedal Travel

10

Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover and check for a low fluid level. If the fluid is low, add only new brake fluid to the reservoir and inspect the brake lines for signs of fluid leaks. Also note that brake fluid is not universal, meaning that specific brake fluid must be used with specific vehicles. Consult the vehicle owner's manual for the proper type of brake fluid.

11

Bleed the brake system of any air, particularly if the brake pedal has a spongy feel when depressed.

12

Check whether the brake shoes are improperly adjusted or distorted, if the vehicle is equipped with drum brakes. Also inspect the drums for cracks.

Noisy Brakes

13

Check the brake drums for distortion and for improper adjustment.

14

Inspect the brake lining for a glazed finish and for the presence of oil or grease. Glazing occurs when the lining is subjected to higher-than-normal temperatures, and typically results when the lining has not been replaced for a long period of time.

15

Remove the brake caliper and inspect the caliper for a frozen or seized piston, if the vehicle is equipped with disk brakes. Also check the alignment between the caliper and the rotor.

16

Check the front wheel alignment if the problem persists, as the noise may be caused by the brakes falling out of adjustment as the suspension flexes, particularly if the noise is only produced when the vehicle is turned.