INSPECTION PROCEDURE 2: Insufficient Braking Power: Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

STEP 1. Check that the specified brake fluid is used, its level is correct, and no contamination is found.
Q: Is there a fault?
1. YES: Refill or replace with the specified brake fluid DOT 3 or DOT 4. Bleed the brakes if necessary (Refer to BLEEDING ). Then go to Step 8.
2. NO: Go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check for spongy (not firm brakes).
1. With engine not running, depress the brake pedal rapidly several times to deplete booster vacuum reserve.
2. With the brake pedal fully released, depress the brake pedal slowly until it stops.
3. With a measuring stick (ruler, etc.) next to the brake pedal, depress the pedal firmly and measure the distance the pedal traveled.
Q: Is the distance greater than 20 mm (0.8 inch)?
1. YES: Bleed the brakes to remove air in the fluid (Refer to BLEEDING ). Then go to Step 8.
2. NO: Go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check the lining and brake drum contact. < Vehicles equipped with rear drum brake >
1. If equipped with rear disc brake, go to Step 5.
2. Put chalk on the inner surface of the brake drum. Rub the lining against the drum inner surface.
  NOTE: Clean off chalk after check.
Q: Does the lining wipe off or smudge the chalk across the full width of the lining?
1. YES: Go to Step 4.
2. NO: Replace the shoe and lining assemblies on both sides. Go to Step 8.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Lining And Brake Drum Contact
  Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
STEP 4. Check the auto adjuster function. < Vehicles equipped with rear drum brake >
Refer to BRAKE LINING AND BRAKE DRUM CONTACT CHECK < VEHICLES WITH REAR DRUM BRAKE > .

Q: Is there fault?
1. YES: Repair it. Then go to Step 8.
2. NO: Go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Check the brake booster function.
Refer to BRAKE BOOSTER OPERATION CHECK .

Q: Is there fault?
1. YES: Replace the part. Then go to Step 8.
2. NO: Go to Step 6.
STEP 6. Check for pinched or restricted brake tube or hose.
Q: Is there pinched or restricted brake tube or hose?
1. YES: Replace that complete section of brake tube or brake hose. Then go to Step 8.
2. NO: Go to Step 7.
STEP 7. Check for oil, water, etc., on the pad or lining contact surfaces of all brakes.
Q: Is oil, water, etc., on the pad or lining contact surface?
1. YES: Replace the part and determine and repair source/cause of foreign material. Recheck symptom. Then go to Step 8.
2. NO: The procedure is complete. If condition persists, go to Step 8.
STEP 8. Recheck symptom.
Q: Is the symptom eliminated?
1. YES: The procedure is complete.
2. NO: Start over at step 1. If a new symptom surfaces, refer to the SYMPTOM CHART .