GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Tools Required

    • J 39200 DMM
    • J 35616-200 Test Light

1

Was the Hydraulic Brake System Diagnostic Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check .

2

Check the tires for incorrect pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Description in Tire and Wheels.

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 Step 22

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4

Inspect the front suspension for loose components.

Are there loose components?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

5

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

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

--

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 Inspection in Drum Brakes.

Do any of the above conditions apply?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

7

Replace the brake linings. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

    •  Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes
    •  Brake Lining Replacement in Drum Brakes

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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8

Inspect the brake rotor for the following:

    • Hot spots
    • Scored rotor surface
    • Grooved rotor surface

Refer to Brake Rotor Tolerance in Disc Brakes.

Do any of the above conditions apply?

--

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?

Refer to Component Specifications in Disc Brakes.

Go to Step 22

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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 the appropriate procedure:

    •  Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes
    •  Brake Lining Replacement In Drum Brakes

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

--

12

Inspect the following brake caliper assembly components for corrosion:

    • Mounting bolts
    • Sleeves
    • Steering knuckle
    • Brake caliper
    • Brake caliper piston

Refer to Brake Caliper Inspection in Disc Brakes.

Are any of the above components corroded or sticking?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

13

Replace the corroded components. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Disc Brakes:

    •  Brake Caliper Overhaul

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

--

14

Inspect the park brake for improper adjustment. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.

Is the park brake adjusted improperly?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

15

Adjust or replace the park brake cable. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Park Brake:

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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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 Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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18

Inspect for contaminated or improper brake fluid. Refer to Brake Fluid and Brake Fluid Handling .

Is the brake fluid contaminated or improper?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 20

19

Flush the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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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 Wheel Cylinder Replacement .

Is there a restricted brake fluid passage?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

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:
  4. Flush the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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22

Verify proper brake system operation.

Does the original condition still exist?

--

Verify customer complaint. Begin the diagnosis again. Go to Step 1.

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check