GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

2

Check the tires for incorrect pressure.

Is the tire pressure incorrect?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Adjust the tires to the correct pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

4

Inspect the front suspension for loose components.

Are there loose components?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Tighten the loose components. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

6

Inspect the brake linings for the following:

    • Excessive wear
    • Uneven wear
    • Abuse
    • Glazing
    • Contaminated lining material
    • Incorrect lining material

Refer to Brake Pad Inspection in Disc Brakes or Brake Shoe Inspection in Drum Brakes.

Do any of the above conditions exist?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the brake linings. Refer to Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes or Brake Shoe Replacement in Drum Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

8

Inspect the rear brake wheel cylinders for the following:

    • Seized pistons
    • Rusted bores

Do any of the above conditions exist?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9

Replace or overhaul the wheel cylinders. Refer to Wheel Cylinder Replacement or Wheel Cylinder Overhaul in Drum Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

10

Inspect the brake rotor for the following:

    • Hot spots
    • Scored rotor surface
    • Grooved rotor surface

Do any of the above conditions exist?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

11

  1. Refinish the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in Disc Brakes.
  2. If refinishing the brake rotor results in a thickness that is less than the thinnest (Refinishing) thickness, replace the rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

12

Inspect the brake assembly for loose, broken or missing components.

Are there any loose, broken or missing brake assembly components?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 14

13

Tighten or replace loose or missing brake assembly components. Refer to Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes or Brake Shoe Replacement in Drum Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

14

Inspect the following brake caliper assembly components for corrosion:

    • Mounting bolts
    • Sleeves
    • Steering knuckle
    • Brake caliper
    • Brake caliper piston

Are any of the above components corroded or sticking?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

15

Replace the corroded components.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

16

Inspect the park brake for improper adjustment.

Is the park brake adjusted improperly?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 18

17

Adjust or replace the park brake cable. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brake.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

18

Inspect the front suspension for incorrect alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

Is the wheel alignment incorrect?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 20

19

Correct the front wheel alignment. Refer to Front Caster Adjustment .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

20

Inspect for contaminated or improper brake fluid.

Is the brake fluid contaminated or improper?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 22

21

  1. Replace all rubber brake system components. Refer to Front Brake Hose Replacement , Rear Brake Hose Replacement , Wheel Cylinder Overhaul , Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement , and Brake Caliper Overhaul .
  2. Flush the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

22

Inspect for a restricted brake fluid passage. Check for the following:

    • Low fluid or no fluid output
    • Spurting of fluid while pressing the brake pedal
    • Particles suspended in the fluid

Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .

Is there a restricted brake fluid passage?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 24

23

  1. Determine the area of the restriction. This will involve the disassembly of individual brake lines and checking for low fluid output.
  2. Flush the individual brake line or the brake hose.
  3. If the restriction cannot be removed, replace the brake hose or the brake pipe as necessary. Refer to Front Brake Hose Replacement , Rear Brake Hose Replacement or ISO Flares Replacement .
  4. Flush the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

--

24

Verify proper brake system operation.

Does the original condition still exist?

--

Go to Step 1

--