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Home >> Ford >> 2002 >> ZX2 Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Brakes >> Traction Control >> Brake System-General Information >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Brake System >> Symptom Chart
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Symptom Chart

SYMPTOM CHART

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • The red brake warning indicator is always on
  • Brake fluid level.
  • FILL the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line.
  • Circuit.
  • Instrument Cluster
  • Red brake warning indicator inoperative
  • Circuit.
  • Bulb.
  • The brakes pull or drift
  • Tire air pressure.
  • CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation.
  • Brake pads or shoes.
  • Brake components.
  • CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation.
  • CHECK the brake pads and shoes for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
  • Suspension component.
  • Wheel alignment.
  • Brake pedal goes down fast
  • Brake fluid level.
  • INSPECT the system for leaks. FILL the brake master cylinder reservoir. BLEED the system. REFER to BLEEDING-HYDRAULIC SYSTEM  .
  • Air in system.
  • Brake master cylinder.
  • CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test, see Component Tests  .
  • The brake pedal eases down slowly
  • Air in system.
  • Brake master cylinder.
  • CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test, see Component Tests  .
  • Brake lockup under light brake pedal force

 
  • Brake pads and shoes.
  • CHECK the brake pads and shoes 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  .
  • Anti-lock brake control system.
  • Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel
  • Leak in hydraulic system.
  • Air in system.
  • Disc brake caliper(s) or wheel cylinder(s).
  • Brake master cylinder.
  • CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test, see Component Tests  .
  • Brake pads.
  • CHECK the brake pads for excessive wear.
  • Brake pedal.
  • CHECK the brake pedal for binding or obstructions. REPAIR as necessary.
  • Brake pedal free play.
  • Brake pedal position (BPP) switch.
  • Brakes drag
  • Parking brake component.
  • REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to PARKING BRAKE  .
  • Brake caliper guide pins.
  • Disc brake caliper(s) or wheel cylinder(s).
  • Brake booster.
  • CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test, see Component Tests  .
  • Brake master cylinder.
  • CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test, see Component Tests  .
  • Brake pedal free play.
  • Brake pedal position (BPP) switch.
  • Vibration when the brakes are applied
  • Uneven brake pad or brake shoe wear.
  • Brake disc pad transfer.
  • Brake disc or drum.
  • Suspension components.
  • Brake caliper guide pins.
  • Brake drag.
  • Excessive brake pedal effort
  • Brake booster.
  • CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test, see Component Tests  .
  • Brake booster check valve.
  • CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test, see Component Tests  .
  • Brake booster manifold vacuum hose.
  • REROUTE, REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
  • Brake pedal.
  • Brake pressure differential valve.
  • CARRY OUT the brake master cylinder component test, see Component Tests  .
  • Slow or incomplete brake pedal return
  • Brake pedal binding.
  • Power brake booster binding.
  • Brake master cylinder.
  • Rear brake shoe retracting springs.
  • Brake pedal return spring.
  • Rattling noise
  • Caliper mounting bolts loose.
  • 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  .
  • Missing or damaged anti - rattle clips or springs.
  • Loose brake disc shield.
  • Clicking noise - with brakes applied with ABS brakes
  • ABS hydraulic control unit.
  • Acceptable condition.
  • Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application
  • Brake pads or shoes.
  • Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.
  • Squealing noise - a continuous squeal
  • Brake pads or shoes worn below minimum thickness.
  • INSPECT brake pads and shoes for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY brake pads and shoes are within minimum specifications. REFER to BRAKE PADS  and BRAKE SHOES  .
  • Squealing noise - an intermittent squeal brought on by cold, heat, water, mud or snow
  • Brake pads or shoes.
  • Acceptable condition.
  • Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brake lightly applied (creeping)
  • Brake pads or shoes.
  • Acceptable condition.
  • Grinding noise - continuous
  • Brake pads or shoes worn below minimum thickness.
  • INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs, brake shoes, brake drums and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake components are within specifications. REFER to SPECIFICATIONS  .
  • Moaning noise
  • Brake pads or shoes contaminated with grease or oil.