Symptom Troubleshooting Chart - Conventional Brake System, Mechanical

2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport, 4WDSECTION Symptom Troubleshooting Chart - Conventional Brake System, Mechanical
NOTE:
SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - CONVENTIONAL BRAKE SYSTEM, MECHANICAL

Condition Possible Sources Action
Vibration when the brakes are applied
  • Tires
  • Uneven brake pad wear
  • Brake disc pad transfer
  • Uneven brake disc wear
  • Brake drum
  • CORRECT any wheel and tire concerns before diagnosing the brake or suspension systems, see WHEELS AND TIRES .
  • Suspension components
Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released
  • Brake caliper guide pins
Rattling noise
  • Caliper mounting bolts loose
  • INSPECT the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. See SPECIFICATIONS
  • Damaged or worn caliper guide pins or retainers
  • Missing or damaged anti-rattle clips or springs
  • Missing or damaged brake shoe hardware
Β 
  • Loose brake disc shield
  • TIGHTEN the brake disc shield bolts to specification. See SPECIFICATIONS .
Clicking noise - with brakes applied with ABS brakes
  • ABS hydraulic control unit
  • Acceptable condition during an ABS event.
Squealing noise - occurs on first (morning) brake application
  • Brake pads or shoes
  • Acceptable condition. Caused by humidity and low brake pad or shoe temperature.
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal
  • Brake pads worn below minimum thickness
  • INSPECT brake pads for excessive wear, taper wear or uneven wear. VERIFY brake pads are within minimum specifications. See SPECIFICATIONS .
  • Brake shoes worn below minimum thickness
  • INSPECT brake shoes for excessive wear or uneven wear. VERIFY brake shoes are within minimum specifications. See SPECIFICATIONS .
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 the brake lightly applied (creeping)
  • Brake pads or shoes
  • Acceptable condition.
Grinding noise - continuous
  • Brake pads worn below minimum thickness
  • INSPECT the brake pads, brake discs, and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake components are within specifications. See SPECIFICATIONS .
  • Brake shoes worn below minimum thickness
  • INSPECT the brake shoes, brake drums, and attaching hardware for damage. VERIFY brake components are within specifications. See SPECIFICATIONS .
Moaning noise
  • Brake pads or shoes contaminated with grease or oil
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.