INSPECTION PROCEDURE 7: Squealing Noise When Brakes are not Applied: 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 backing plate is bent or loose and interfering with the drum. < Vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes >
If equipped with rear disc brakes, go to Step 4.

Q: Is there fault?

YES : Replace the part. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check whether the drum is damaged due to interference with the backing plate or shoe.
Q: Is there damage?

YES : Replace the part. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check the brake drum for wear and the shoe-to-shoe spring for damage.
Q: Is there wear or damage?

YES : Replace the part. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 4.
STEP 4. Check the brake discs for rust.
Q: Are the brake discs rusted?

YES : Remove the rust by using sand paper. If still rusted, turn the rotors with an on-the-car brake lathe. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Check the brake pads for correct installation.
Q: Are the pads installed incorrectly?

YES : Repair it. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 6.
STEP 6. Check the calipers for correct installation.
Q: Are the calipers installed incorrectly?

YES : Repair it. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 7.
STEP 7. Check the wheel bearings for deterioration or damage, and the quality and quantity.
Q: Are the wheel bearings damaged or out of grease?

YES : Apply grease or replace the part. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 8.

Fig 1: Identifying Grease Applying Area
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
STEP 8. Check whether the brake booster, master cylinder or wheel cylinder return is insufficient.
Q: Is the brake booster, master cylinder or wheel cylinder return insufficient?

YES : Replace the part. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 9.
STEP 9. Check that the brake pedal and brake booster pushrod are adjusted properly.
Refer to ON-VEHICLE SERVICE or MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER .

Q: Are the brake pedal and brake booster adjusted properly?

YES : Go to Step 10.

NO: Adjust them. Then go to Step 10.
STEP 10. 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.