For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: Brake pedal requires an increased amount of input from the driver to obtain good braking action and/or stopping distance is increased.
1 | Were you sent here from the Hydraulic Brake Symptom table? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Hydraulic Brakes
2 |

1. Inspect the brake assist system for the following conditions:

• | Vacuum leaks, if equipped with vacuum power assist

• | Power steering fluid leaks, if equipped with hydraulic power assist

• | Lack of lubrication, binding or excessively worn pushrod or pedal pivots or pivot bushings

• | Bent or damaged pedal pushrod, pedal, or pedal bracket

• | Damaged or improperly operating brake booster assembly

2. Adjust, repair or replace components as necessary. Refer to Brake Assist System Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct a condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 3

3 |

1. Inspect the hydraulic brake system for the following conditions:

• | Binding caliper pistons

• | Binding wheel cylinder pistons, if equipped

• | Internally damaged flexible brake hoses; hindering fluid flow

• | External brake fluid leaks

• | Kinked or damaged flexible brake hoses and/or pipes

• | Internal brake fluid leaks; improperly operating master cylinder

• | Poor brake fluid quality; low boiling point

2. Adjust, repair or replace components as necessary. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct a condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4 |

1. Inspect the disc brake system for the following conditions:

• | Excessively worn linings

• | Glazed linings

• | Cracked, distorted or damaged linings

• | Contaminated linings

• | Binding, damaged or excessively worn caliper hardware and/or lining hardware

• | Lack of lubrication or excessive corrosion on metal to metal contact surfaces

• | Excessively worn or corroded rotor friction surfaces

• | Glazed rotor friction surfaces

• | Hard spots, heat checks, blueing discoloration of rotor friction surfaces

2. Adjust, repair or replace components as necessary. Refer to Disc Brake System Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct a condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5 |

1. Inspect the drum brake system, if equipped, for the following conditions:

• | Excessively worn linings

• | Improper adjustment or improper adjuster operation

• | Glazed linings

• | Cracked, distorted or damaged linings

• | Contaminated linings

• | Out of round or damaged drum

• | Bell-mouth or barrel-shaped drum friction surface

• | Hard spots, heat checks, blueing discoloration of drum friction surface

• | Lack of lubrication on backing plate

• | Excessive dust or foreign matter in drum

2. Adjust, repair or replace components as necessary. Refer to Drum Brake System Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct a condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Hydraulic Brakes

6 |

1. Install or connect components that were removed or disconnected during diagnosis.
2. Road test the vehicle in order to confirm proper operation. Refer to Brake System Vehicle Road Test .

Is the condition still present?

Go to Step 2

System OK