INSPECTION PROCEDURE 2: Insufficient Braking Power: Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

STEP 1. Check whether the brake fluid is low, is the correct fluid (A/T fluid, engine oil, etc.) or is contaminated (debris, sand, etc.).
Q: Is there fault?

YES : Refill or replace with the specified brake fluid DOT 3 or DOT 4. Bleed the brakes if necessary. (Refer to BLEEDING .) Then go to Step 9.

NO: Go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check for spongy (not firm brakes).
1. With engine not running, depress the brake pedal rapidly several times to deplete booster vacuum reserve.
2. With the brake pedal fully released, depress the brake pedal slowly until it stops.
3. With a measuring stick (ruler, etc.) next to the brake pedal, depress the pedal firmly and measure the distance the pedal traveled.
Q: Is the distance greater than 20 mm (0.8 inch)?

YES : Bleed the brakes to remove air in the fluid. Refer to BLEEDING . Then go to Step 9.

NO: Go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check the lining and brake drum contact. < Vehicles equipped with rear drum brake >
1. If equipped with rear disc brake, go to Step 4.
2. Put chalk on the inner surface of the brake drum. Rub the lining against the drum inner surface.
  NOTE: Clean off chalk after check.
Q: Does the lining wipe off or smudge the chalk across the full width of the lining?

YES : Go to Step 5.

NO: Replace the shoe and lining assemblies on both sides. Go to Step 9.
STEP 4. Check the auto adjuster function.
Refer to AUTO ADJUSTER FUNCTION CHECK .

Q: Is there fault?

YES : Repair it. Then go to Step 9.

NO: Go to Step 6.
STEP 5. Check the brake booster function.
Refer to BRAKE BOOSTER OPERATING TEST .

Q: Is there fault?

YES : Replace the part. Then go to Step 9.

NO: Go to Step 5.

Fig 1: Putting Chalk On Inner Surface Of Brake Drum
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
STEP 6. Check for pinched or restricted brake tube or hose.
Q: Is there pinched or restricted brake tube or hose?

YES : Replace that complete section of brake tube or brake hose. Then go to Step 9.

NO: Go to Step 7.
STEP 7. Check for oil, water, etc., on the pad or lining contact surfaces of all brakes.
Q: Is oil, water, etc., on the pad or lining contact surface?

YES : replace the part and determine and repair source/cause of foreign material. Recheck symptom. Then go to Step 9.

NO: Diagnosis is complete. If condition persists, go to Step 8.
STEP 8. Check the proportioning valve operation.
Refer to CHECK VALVE OPERATION CHECK .

Q: Is there fault?

YES : Replace the part. Then go to Step 9.

NO: Go to Step 9.
STEP 9. Recheck symptom.
Q: Is the symptom eliminated?

YES : Diagnosis is complete.

NO: Start over at Step 1. If a new symptom surfaces, refer to the symptom chart.