Flow of Diagnosis

This system level diagnosis covers service brake components only.
- For antilock brake system diagnosis see Antilock brake system.

Service Brake Components Include:
- Front and Rear Brakes Shoes
- Disc Brake Calipers
- Wheel Cylinders
- Brake Drums
- Support Plates Brake Lines
- Master Cylinder
- Power Brake Booster
- Parking Brake Components

Brake problems can be caused by the failure of; a mechanical, hydraulic, vacuum or electrically operated component.


1. Observe the Service Brake Warning Lights for Illumination
RED light -- when illuminated:
- Indicates a hydraulic problem in either the front or rear brake system.
- It may also indicate that the parking brakes are still applied.

AMBER warning light indicates a problem in the antilock system.

Neither warning light illuminated, indicates the problem will be related to a mechanical, hydraulic or vacuum component such as a brake shoe, rotor, caliper, master cylinder or brake booster.

2. Perform Preliminary Checks Preliminary Checks
3. Road Test Vehicle Road Test
- Road Testing will either verify proper brake operation or confirm the existence of a problem.
4. Inspect for components that could be causing the problem. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
5. Use the Diagnosis by Symptom section to aid your diagnosis. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
5. Test the suspected component(s)