Preliminary Inspection

WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure in this service information, refer to SAFETY WARNINGS

NOTE: Do not spill brake fluid onto painted or plastic surfaces. If spilled, wipe up immediately before damage to the painted or plastic surface occurs.

NOTE: Always check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir before carrying out the test procedures. If the fluid level is not at the correct level, clean the reservoir cap before removing, then add clean, specified brake fluid.

NOTE: Prior to carrying out any diagnosis, make sure the red brake warning indicator is functional. REFER to Instrumentation, Message Center, and Warning Chimes .

The first indication that something may be wrong in the brake system is a change in the feeling through the brake pedal. The brake warning indicator in the IC and the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir are also indicators of system concerns.

If a wheel is locked and the vehicle must be moved, open a bleeder screw at the locked wheel to let out enough fluid to relieve the pressure. Close the bleeder screw. If multiple wheels are locked, check the brake pedal free play to verify brake pedal is not partially applied. These operations may release the brakes, but will not correct the concern. If this does not relieve the locked wheel condition, repair the locked components before proceeding.

Inspect all hoses and connections. All unused vacuum connectors should be capped. Make sure hoses and their connections are correctly secured and in good condition with no holes, soft or collapsed areas.

1.

Verify the customer concern.

For parking brake concerns, REFER to Parking Brake and Actuation .
For ABS concerns, REFER to Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control .
For all other concerns, continue with the next step.

2.

Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical	Electrical
Brake master cylinder Brake master cylinder reservoir Brake booster Brake booster check valve Brake booster vacuum hose Brake vacuum pump (2.0L GTDI) Brake hoses and tubes Brake caliper Brake caliper piston seals Brake caliper guide pins Brake disc Brake pads Brake pedal linkage Wheel bearings Tires	Parking brake switch Brake fluid level switch Brake vacuum switch Wiring, terminals and connectors

3.

If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

4.

If the cause is not visually evident, GO to Symptom Chart - Hydraulic Brake System or GO to Symptom Chart - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) .