GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1999 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Hydraulic Brakes 🢒 Braking Action Uneven - Side to Side

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

2

Check the tires for incorrect pressure.

Is the tire pressure incorrect?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Adjust the tires to the correct pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

4

Inspect the front suspension for loose components.

Are there loose components?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Tighten the loose components. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

6

Inspect the brake linings for the following:

    • Excessive wear
    • Uneven wear
    • Abuse
    • Glazing
    • Contaminated lining material
    • Incorrect lining material

Refer to Brake Pad Inspection in Disc Brakes or Brake Shoe Replacement in Drum Brakes.

Do any of the above conditions exist?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the brake linings. Refer to Brake Pads Replacement or Brake Drum Inspection in Drum Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

8

Inspect the brake rotor for the following:

    • Hot spots
    • Scored rotor surface
    • Grooved rotor surface

Do any of the above conditions exist?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9
  1. Refinish the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in Disc Brakes.
  2. If refinishing the brake rotor results in a thickness that is less than the thinnest (Refinishing) thickness, replace the rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

10

Inspect the brake assembly for loose, broken or missing components.

Are there any loose, broken or missing brake assembly components?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

11

Tighten or replace loose or missing brake assembly components. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement in Disc Brakes or Brake Pads Replacement in Drum Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

12

Inspect the following brake caliper assembly components for corrosion:

    • Mounting bolts
    • Guide pins
    • Steering knuckle
    • Brake caliper and bracket
    • Brake caliper piston

Are any of the above components corroded or sticking?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 14

13

Replace the corroded components.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

14

Inspect the park brake for improper adjustment.

Is the park brake adjusted improperly?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

15

Adjust or replace the park brake cable. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

16

Inspect the front suspension for incorrect alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

Is the wheel alignment incorrect?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 18

17

Correct the front wheel alignment. Refer to Front Caster Adjustment .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

18

Inspect for contaminated or improper brake fluid.

Is the brake fluid contaminated or improper?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 20

19
  1. Replace all rubber brake system components. Refer to the following procedures:
    2. •  Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes
    •  Wheel Cylinder Overhaul in Drum Brakes
  2. Flush the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

20

Inspect for a restricted brake fluid passage. Check for the following:

    • Low fluid or no fluid output
    • Spurting of fluid while pressing the brake pedal
    • Particles suspended in the fluid

Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .

Is there a restricted brake fluid passage?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 22

21
  1. Determine the area of the restriction. This will involve the disassembly of individual brake lines and checking for low fluid output.
  2. Flush the individual brake line or the brake hose.
  3. If the restriction cannot be removed, replace the brake hose or the brake pipe as necessary. Refer to Front Brake Hose Replacement , Rear Brake Hose Replacement or ISO Flares Replacement .
  4. Flush the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

22

Verify proper brake system operation.

Does the original condition still exist?

--

Go to Step 1

--