Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT and 2007 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Symptom Chart

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
The red brake warning indicator is always on	Brake fluid level	INSPECT the system for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. FILL the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line.
	Parking brake	CHECK that the parking brake is fully released.
	Circuitry Parking brake switch Brake fluid level switch Instrument cluster	Go to Pinpoint Test A .
The brakes pull or drift	Tire air pressure	CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear and correct inflation.
	Brake pads Brake components	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary. CHECK the brake discs and the hubs for damage. REPAIR as necessary.
	Suspension component Wheel alignment	CHECK the wheel alignment. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
Brake pedal goes down fast	Brake fluid level	INSPECT the system for leaks, REPAIR as necessary. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding in this article.
	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks, REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding in this article.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test in this article.
The brake pedal eases down slowly	Air in system	INSPECT the system for leaks, REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding in this article.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test in this article.
Brake lockup under light brake pedal force	Brake pads	CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
	Brake component	CHECK the brake components for correct operation. REPAIR as necessary.
	Parking brake component	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE AND ACTUATION article
	Anti-lock brake control system	CHECK the anti-lock brake control system. REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS article.
Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel	Leak in hydraulic system Air in system Disc brake caliper	INSPECT the system for leaks, REPAIR as necessary. BLEED the system. REFER to Brake System Bleeding in this article.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test in this article.
	Brake pads	CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear.
	Brake pedal	CHECK the brake pedal for binding or obstructions. REPAIR as necessary.
Brakes drag	Parking brake component	REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE AND ACTUATION article.
	Brake caliper guide pins	REPAIR or INSTALL new caliper guide pins, seals and boots. REFER to Brake Caliper Guide Pins in this article.
	Disc brake caliper	REPAIR or INSTALL new brake calipers as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for the front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for the rear disc brakes.
	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test in this article.
	Brake master cylinder	CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test in this article.
Excessive brake pedal effort	Brake booster	CARRY OUT the Brake Booster Component Test in this article.
	Brake booster check valve	CARRY OUT the Check Valve Component Test in this article.
	Brake booster manifold vacuum hose	REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose	CHECK the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for the front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for the rear disc brakes.
	Damaged or worn caliper guide pins or retainers	CHECK the caliper guide pins and retainers for lubrication and correct operation. LUBRICATE or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to Brake Caliper Guide Pins in this article.
	Missing or damaged anti-rattle clips or springs	CHECK the brake pads for missing clips or broken springs. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for the front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for the rear disc brakes.
	Loose brake disc shield	TIGHTEN the brake disc shield to specification. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for the front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for the rear disc brakes.
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with anti-lock brake system (ABS)	ABS hydraulic control unit	Acceptable condition.
Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application	Brake pads	Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal	Brake pads or linings worn below minimum thickness	INSPECT brake pads for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY brake pads are within minimum specifications. REFER to Brake Pads in this article.
Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal brought on by cold, heat, water, mud or snow	Brake pads	Acceptable condition.
Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping)	Brake pads	Acceptable condition.
Grinding noise - continuous	Brake pads or linings worn below minimum thickness	INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake pads are within minimum specifications. REFER to Brake Pads in this article.
Moaning noise	Brake linings contaminated with grease or oil	INSPECT the brake pads for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for the front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for the rear disc brakes.
Adjustable brake pedal is inoperative/does not operate correctly - non-memory	Circuitry Adjustable pedal switch Adjustable pedal motor	Go to Pinpoint Test B .
Adjustable brake pedal is inoperative/does not operate correctly - memory	Circuitry Memory set switch Adjustable pedal switch Adjustable pedal potentiometer Adjustable pedal motor Driver seat module (DSM)	Go to Pinpoint Test C .
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Uneven brake pad wear Brake disc pad transfer Brake disc Suspension components	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in Inspection and Verification in this article. Go to Pinpoint Test D .
Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released	Brake caliper guide pins	INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins for correct operation. REFER to Brake Caliper Guide Pins in this article.
	Brake drag	INSPECT the brake pads for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE article for the front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE article for the rear disc brakes.