GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Symptom

Causes

Excessive Brake Pedal Travel

    • Leaking brake line or connection. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak .
    • Leaking piston. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Leaking master cylinder (internal). Refer to Master Cylinder Overhaul .
    • Air in the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .
    • Contaminated or improper brake fluid. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .
    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Disc Brakes Brake Pad Inspection .
    • Improper rear brake adjustment. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Excessive vehicle loading.

Brake Pedal Travel Gradually Increases

    • Leaking brake line or connection. Refer to Theft Deterrent System Components .
    • Leaking piston. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Leaking master cylinder (internal). Refer to Master Cylinder Overhaul .
    • Contaminated or improper brake fluid. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .
    • Restricted passage in the vacuum booster. Refer to Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve Replacement .
    • Damaged vacuum booster. Refer to Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement .
    • Restricted brake fluid passage. Inspect brake hose. Refer to Brake Hose Inspection .
    • Improper Rear Brake Adjustment. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .

Excessive Brake Pedal Effort

    • Leaking vacuum or booster system. Refer to Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement .
    • Restricted passage in the vacuum booster. Refer to Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve Replacement Hydraulic Brakes.
    • Damaged vacuum booster. Refer to Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement .
    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Glazed brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement
    • Incorrect brake lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing
    • Restricted brake fluid passage. Refer to Brake Hose Inspection .
    • Brake pedal linkage interference or binding. Refer to Brake Pedal Replacement Hydraulic Brakes.
    • Operator riding the brake pedal.
    • Low engine vacuum. Check for leaks.
    • Restricted hydraulic line to the booster (HYD booster only). Refer to Vacuum Brake Booster Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
    • Excessive vehicle loading.

Excessive Braking Action

    • Damaged vacuum booster. Refer to Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement .
    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Incorrect brake lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing
    • Scored rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .

Brakes Slow To Respond

    • Contaminated or improper brake fluid. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .
    • Leaking vacuum or booster system. Refer to Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement .
    • Restricted passage in the vacuum booster. Refer to Vacuum Brake Booster Hose Replacement
    • Damaged vacuum booster. Refer to Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement .
    • Worn out brake linings. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Glazed brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Incorrect lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing .
    • Restricted brake fluid passage. Refer to Brake Hose Inspection .
    • Brake pedal linkage interference or binding. Refer to Brake Pedal Replacement Hydraulic Brakes.
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Improper rear brake adjustment. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Low engine vacuum. Check for leaks.
    • Restricted hydraulic line to the booster (HYD booster only). Refer to Vacuum Brake Booster Hose Replacement Hydraulic Brakes.

Brakes Slow To Release

    • Contaminated or improper brake fluid. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .
    • Restricted passage in the vacuum booster. Refer to. Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement
    • Damaged vacuum booster. Refer to Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement .
    • Restricted brake fluid passage. Refer to Brake Hose Inspection .
    • Brake pedal linkage interference or binding. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak .
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Parking brake not releasing. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Caliper to knuckle clearance. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .

Brakes Drag

    • Contaminated or improper brake fluid. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
    • Restricted brake fluid passage. Refer to Brake Hose Inspection .
    • Improperly adjusted stoplamp switch or cruise control vacuum dump. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Adjustment .
    • Brake pedal linkage interference or binding. Refer to Brake Pedal Replacement Hydraulic Brakes.
    • Improperly adjusted parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Loose front suspension parts. Refer to Suspension Component Inspection .
    • Operator riding the brake pedal.
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Parking brake not releasing. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Parking brake cables frozen. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Parking brake cables corroded. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .

Uneven Braking Action (Side to Side)

    • Leaking brake line or connection. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak .
    • Leaking piston. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Contaminated or improper brake fluid. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .
    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Incorrect brake lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing
    • Scored rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
    • Restricted brake fluid passage. Refer to Brake Hose Inspection .
    • Incorrect front wheel alignment. Refer to Pre-Alignment Road Test with Customer .
    • Incorrect tire pressure. Refer to Tire and Wheel Specifications .
    • Loose front suspension parts. Refer to Suspension Component Inspection .
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Parking brake not releasing. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Caliper to knuckle clearance. Refer to Ball Stud and Knuckle Inspection .

Uneven Braking Action (Front to Rear)

    • Leaking brake line or connection. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak .
    • Leaking piston. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Leaking master cylinder (internal). Refer to Master Cylinder Overhaul .
    • Air in the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .
    • Contaminated or improper brake fluid. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .
    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Glazed brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Incorrect brake lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing
    • Scored rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
    • Restricted brake fluid passage. Refer to Brake Hose Inspection .
    • Improperly adjusted parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Improper rear brake adjustment. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Excessive Vehicle Loading.

Scraping Noise From Brakes

    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
    • Loose front suspension parts. Refer to Suspension Component Inspection .

Brakes Squeak Without Application

    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Glazed brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Incorrect brake lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Scored Rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing .
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .

Brakes Squeak During Application

    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Glazed brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Incorrect brake lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing .
    • Scored rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing .
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .

Brakes Chatter (Roughness)

    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Scored rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing
    • Improper thickness variation in rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Tolerance .
    • Excessive lateral runout in rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Lateral Runout Check .
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
    • Loose front suspension parts. Refer to Suspension Component Inspection .
    • Out-of-balance wheel assembly. Refer to Pre-Alignment Road Test with Customer .
    • Improperly torqued wheel nuts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
    • Poor rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing

Brakes Groan at the End of Stop

    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Incorrect lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .

Brake Warning Lamp ON

    • Leaking brake line or connection. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak .
    • Leaking piston. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Leaking master cylinder (internal). Refer to Master Cylinder Overhaul .
    • Air in brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .
    • Contaminated or improper brake fluid. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .
    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Parking brake switch circuit grounded. Refer to Engine Controls.
    • Parking brake not releasing. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Low brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling .

Premature Lining Wear Out

    • Incorrect lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake lining damaged by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Scored rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing .
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
    • Improperly adjusted stoplamp switch or cruise control vacuum dump. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Adjustment .
    • Brake pedal linkage interference or binding. Refer to Brake Pedal Bracket Replacement .
    • Operator riding the brake pedal.
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Parking brake not releasing. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .

Parking Brake Won't Hold

    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Incorrect lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake lining damaged by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
    • Improperly adjusted parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Improper rear brake adjustment. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Excessive vehicle loading.
    • Parking brake cables frozen. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Parking brake cables corroded. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .

Parking Brake Won't Release

    • Improperly adjusted parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Parking brake cables frozen. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .
    • Parking brake cables corroded. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment .

Brake Pulsation

    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Incorrect lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake linings damaged by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Scored rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing
    • Improper thickness variation in rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Tolerance .
    • Excessive lateral runout in rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Lateral Runout Check .
    • Out-of-balance wheel assembly. Refer to Pre-Alignment Road Test with Customer .
    • Improperly torqued wheel nuts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
    • Poor drum surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing .

Brake Pulls

    • Leaking brake line or connection. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak .
    • Leaking piston. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Incorrect lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Brake linings damaged by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement .
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing
    • Incorrect front wheel alignment. Refer to Pre-Alignment Road Test with Customer .
    • Incorrect tire pressure. Refer to Tire and Wheel Specifications .
    • Loose front suspension parts. Refer to Suspension Component Inspection .
    • Caliper to knuckle clearance. Refer to Ball Stud and Knuckle Inspection .