Brake Pedal Excessive Effort

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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	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 Adjust, repair or replace components as necessary. Refer to Brake Assist System Diagnosis . Did you find and correct a condition?	Go to Step 5	Go to Step 3
3	Inspect the hydraulic brake system for the following conditions: Binding caliper pistons 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 Adjust, repair or replace components as necessary. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Diagnosis . Did you find and correct a condition?	Go to Step 5	Go to Step 4
4	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 Adjust, repair or replace components as necessary. Refer to Disc Brake System Diagnosis . Did you find and correct a condition?	Go to Step 5	Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Hydraulic Brakes
5	Install or connect components that were removed or disconnected during diagnosis. 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