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Home >> Ford >> 2005 >> Excursion 5.4 L, RWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Brakes >> Traction Control >> Brake System-General Information >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Brake System >> Symptom Charts >> Notes
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Symptom Charts: Notes

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.
  • Circuitry
  • Instrument cluster
  • Red brake warning indicator inoperative
  • Circuitry
  • Bulb
  • The brakes pull or drift
  • Tire air pressure
  • CHECK the tires for uneven or excessive wear, and correct inflation.
  • Brake pads
  • CHECK the brake pads for uneven taper or excessive wear. REPAIR as necessary.
  • Brake components
  • CHECK the brake discs and the hubs for damage. 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.
  • Air in system
  • Brake master cylinder
  • CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder component test in this article.
  • The brake pedal eases down slowly
  • Air in system
  • 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  in this article.
  • Anti-lock brake control system
  • Excessive/erratic brake pedal travel
  • Leak in hydraulic system
  • Air in system
  • Disc brake caliper
  • 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  in this article.
  • Brake caliper guide pins
  • Disc brake caliper
  • 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
  • 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 for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
  • Loose brake disc shield
  • 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 for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.
  • Vibration when the brakes are applied
  • Uneven brake pad wear
  • Brake disc pad transfer
  • Brake disc
  • Suspension components
  • Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released
  • Brake caliper guide pins
  • Brake drag
  • INSPECT the brake pads for premature wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new caliper as necessary. REFER to FRONT DISC BRAKE for front disc brakes or REAR DISC BRAKE for rear disc brakes.