| These are examples of basic brake problems and usually mean something is wrong in the brake system. Left alone, any of these problems will likely only get worse, so have the brakes checked as soon as possible. | ||
| The Problem | Is Caused By | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| The brake pedal goes to the floor | Leak somewhere in the system | Check/correct fluid level; Have system checked |
| Brakes out of adjustment | Check automatic brake adjusters | |
| Spongy brake pedal | Air in brake system | Have brake system bled |
| Brake fluid contaminated | Have system drained, refilled and bled | |
| The brake pedal is hard | Improperly adjusted brakes | Have brakes adjusted |
| Worn pads or linings | Check lining/pad wear | |
| Kinked brake lines | Have defective brake line replaced | |
| Defective power brake booster | Have booster checked | |
| Low engine vacuum (power brakes) | Check engine vacuum | |
| The brake pedal "fades"' under pressure (repeated hard stops will cause brake fade; brakes will return to normal when they cool down) | Air in system | Have brakes bled |
| Incorrect brake fluid | Check fluid | |
| Leaking master cylinder or wheel cylinders | Check master cylinder and wheel cylinders for leaks | |
| Leaking hoses/lines | Check lines for leaks | |
| The car pulls to one side or brakes grab | Incorrect tire pressure | Check/correct tire pressure |
| Contaminated brake linings or pads | Check linings for grease if greasy, replace | |
| Worn brake linings | Have linings replaced | |
| Loose or misaligned calipers | Check caliper mountings | |
| Defective proportioning valve | Have proportioning valve checked | |
| Front end out of alignment | Have wheel alignment checked | |
| Brakes chatter or shudder | Worn linings | Check lining thickness |
| Drums out-of-round | Have drums and linings ground | |
| Wobbly rotor | Have rotor checked for excessive wobble | |
| Heat checked drums | Check drums for heat checking; if necessary, replace drums | |
| Brakes produce noise (squealing, scraping, clicking) | Worn linings | Check pad and lining wear |
| Loose calipers | Check caliper mountings | |
| Caliper anti-rattle springs missing | Check calipers for missing parts | |
| Scored or glazed drums or rotors | Check for glazing (light glazing can be removed with sandpaper) | |
| Brakes drag (will not release) | Incorrect brake adjustment | Have brakes checked |
| Parking brake stuck or adjusted too tight | Check cable where it enters the brake backing plate. In winter, water frequently freezes here | |
| Caliper pistons seized | Have calipers checked | |
| Defective metering valve or master cylinder | Have system checked | |
| Broken brake return springs | Check brake return springs, replace if necessary | |
| Brake system warning light stays lit | One part of dual circuit inoperative Defective warning light switch Differential pressure valve not centered |
Have brake system checked |