Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMAZDA2008TRIBUTE S SPORT, 4WDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISBRAKESTRACTION CONTROLSYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING (BRAKE SYSTEM)SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - CONVENTIONAL BRAKE SYSTEM, MECHANICAL

2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport, 4WD

Symptom Troubleshooting Chart - Conventional Brake System, Mechanical

2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport, 4WDSECTION Symptom Troubleshooting Chart - Conventional Brake System, Mechanical

NOTE:

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms, see SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) . Since it is possible any one of multiple systems to be the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type of diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the causal system for the symptom, see SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.

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 .
Vibration when the brakes are applied	Suspension components	COMPLETE the brake system inspection described in Inspection and Verification in this section. If the condition still exists, GO to PINPOINT TEST 1: VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED .
Brake vibration/shudder - occurs when the brake pedal is released	Brake caliper guide pins	INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins for correct operation. See FRONT DISC BRAKE SYSTEM - EXPLODED VIEW .
Rattling noise	Caliper mounting bolts loose	INSPECT the caliper bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. See SPECIFICATIONS
	Damaged or worn caliper guide pins or retainers	INSPECT the caliper guide pins and retainers for correct operation. See FRONT DISC BRAKE SYSTEM - EXPLODED VIEW . INSTALL new components as necessary.
	Missing or damaged anti-rattle clips or springs	INSPECT the brake pads for missing clips or broken springs. INSTALL new components as necessary. See FRONT DISC BRAKE SYSTEM - EXPLODED VIEW .
	Missing or damaged brake shoe hardware	INSPECT the brake shoes for missing or broken hardware. See DRUM BRAKE SYSTEM - EXPLODED VIEW . INSTALL new components as necessary.
	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 .
Squealing noise - a continuous squeal	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 .
Grinding noise - continuous	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	INSPECT the brake pads and shoes for contamination. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. See FRONT DISC BRAKE SYSTEM - EXPLODED VIEW , or DRUM BRAKE SYSTEM - EXPLODED VIEW .

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:

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