Pinpoint Test A: Vibration When The Brakes Are Applied

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

A1 CHECK FOR TSBs
- Check Technical Service Bulletins for applicable brake concerns.
- Is there applicable information available in a TSB?
1. Yes : REFER to the TSB. CARRY OUT any necessary repairs that are indicated by the TSB. If the concern is still present, GO to A2.
2. No : GO to A2.
A2 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE - LIGHT BRAKING
- Inspect the wheels and tires. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Road test the vehicle. Warm the brakes by slowing the vehicle from 80 to 32 km/h (50 to 20 mph) using light brake force. At highway speeds of 89-97 km/h (55-60 mph), apply the brake using light pedal force.
- Is there a vibration/shudder felt in the steering wheel, seat or brake pedal?
1. Yes : GO to A5.
2. No : GO to A3.
A3 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE - MODERATE TO HEAVY BRAKING
- Road test the vehicle. At highway speeds of 89-97 km/h (55-60 mph), apply the brake using a moderate to heavy pedal force.
- Is there a vibration/shudder?
1. Yes : GO to A4.
2. No : The concern is not present at this time.
A4 NORMAL ACTUATION OF THE ABS SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
- During moderate to heavy braking, noise from the hydraulic control unit (HCU) and pulsation in the brake pedal can be observed. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise during heavy braking or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy surfaces is acceptable and indicates correct functioning of the ABS system. Pedal pulsation or steering wheel nibble (frequency is proportioned to the vehicle speed) indicates a concern with a brake or suspension component.
- Is the vibration/shudder vehicle speed sensitive?
1. Yes : GO to A6.
2. No : The concern is not present at this time.
A5 APPLICATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE
- This test is not applicable to vehicles with drum-in-hat type parking brakes. For vehicles with drum-in-hat parking brakes, proceed to the next test step. For all other vehicles, apply the parking brake to identify if the problem is in the front or rear brake. At highway speeds of 89-97 km/h (55-60 mph), lightly apply the parking brake until the vehicle slows down. Release the parking brake immediately after the test.
- Is there a vibration/shudder?
1. Yes : GO to A8.
2. No : GO to A6.
A6 CHECK THE FRONT SUSPENSION
- Check the front suspension. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are all the suspension components in satisfactory condition?
1. Yes : GO to A7.
2. No : REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
A7 RESURFACE THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS
- Resurface the front brake discs. Refer to BRAKE DISC MACHINING .
- Road test the vehicle.
- Is the vibration/shudder present?
1. Yes : GO to A8.
2. No : The concern is not present at this time.
A8 CHECK THE REAR SUSPENSION
- Check the rear suspension. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are all the suspension components in satisfactory condition?
1. Yes : GO to A9.
2. No : REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
A9 RESURFACE THE REAR BRAKE DRUM
- Resurface the rear brake drums.
- Road test the vehicle.
- Is the vibration/shudder present?
1. Yes : Refer to NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS to continue diagnosis of the vibration.
2. No : The concern is not present at this time.