GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 2000 🢒 Intrigue 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Hydraulic Brakes 🢒 Brake System Diagnosis

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 in Disc Brakes.
    • 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 in Disc Brakes.
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Brake Pad Inspection in Disc Brakes.
    • Excessive vehicle loading.

Brake Pedal Travel Gradually Increases
    • Leaking brake line or connection. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak .
    • Leaking piston. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul in Disc Brakes.
    • 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 .

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 Hose Replacement .
    • 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 in Disc Brakes.
    • Glazed brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Incorrect brake lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in Disc Brakes.
    • Restricted brake fluid passage. Refer to Brake Hose Inspection .
    • Brake pedal linkage interference or binding. Refer to Brake Pedal Replacement .
    • Operator riding the brake pedal.
    • Low engine vacuum. Check for leaks.
    • Restricted vacuum line to the booster. Refer to Vacuum Brake Booster Hose Replacement .
    • 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 in Disc Brakes.
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Incorrect brake lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in Disc Brakes.
    • Scored rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.

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 in Disc Brakes.
    • Glazed brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Incorrect lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in kDisc Brakes.
    • Restricted brake fluid passage. Refer to Brake Hose Inspection .
    • Brake pedal linkage interference or binding. Refer to Brake Pedal Replacement .
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul in Disc Brakes.
    • Low engine vacuum. Check for leaks.
    • Restricted vacuum line to the booster. Refer to Vacuum Brake Booster Hose Replacement .

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 in Disc Brakes.
    • 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 in Disc Brakes.

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 in Disc Brakes.
    • 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 .
    • Improperly adjusted parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • Loose front suspension parts. Refer to Suspension Component Inspection in Front Suspension.
    • Operator riding the brake pedal.
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul in Disc Brakes.
    • Parking brake not releasing. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • Parking brake cables frozen. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • Parking brake cables corroded. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.

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

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 in Disc Brakes.
    • 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 in Disc Brakes.
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Glazed brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Incorrect brake lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Improper rotor surface finish. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in Disc Brakes.
    • Scored rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Restricted brake fluid passage. Refer to Brake Hose Inspection .
    • Improperly adjusted parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • Sticking caliper or caliper pistons. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul in Disc Brakes.
    • Improper rear brake adjustment. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • Excessive Vehicle Loading.

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

Brakes Squeak Without Application
    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Glazed brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Incorrect brake lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Scored Rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.

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

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

Brakes Groan at the End of Stop
    • Worn out brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Incorrect lining material. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Contaminated brake lining. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake lining damage by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.

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 in Disc Brakes.
    • 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 in Disc Brakes.
    • Uneven brake lining wear. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Parking brake switch circuit grounded. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • Parking brake not releasing. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • 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 in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake lining damaged by abuse. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement or Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • Scored rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in Disc Brakes.
    • Brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement or Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.
    • 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 in Disc Brakes.
    • Parking brake not releasing. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.

Parking Brake Won't Hold
    • Worn out park brake lining. Refer to Parking Brake Shoe Replacement in Park Brake.
    • Uneven park brake lining wear. Refer to Parking Brake Shoe Replacement in Park Brake.
    • Incorrect park brake lining material. Refer to Parking Brake Shoe Replacement in Park Brake.
    • Contaminated park brake lining. Refer to Parking Brake Shoe Replacement in Park Brake.
    • Park brake lining damaged by abuse. Refer to Parking Brake Shoe Replacement in Park Brake.
    • Park brake assembly attachments loose. Refer to Parking Brake Shoe Replacement in Park Brake.
    • Improperly adjusted parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • Improper park brake adjustment. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • Excessive vehicle loading.
    • Parking brake cables frozen. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • Parking brake cables corroded. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.

Parking Brake Won't Release
    • Improperly adjusted parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • Parking brake cables frozen. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.
    • Parking brake cables corroded. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.

Brake Pulsation

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

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