Brakes Symptom Diagnosis - Suzuki GRAND VITARA Owner's Manual

4A-5 Brake Control System and Diagnosis:
Substandard or contaminated brake fluid
CAUTION
!
Improper brake fluid, mineral oil or water in
the fluid may cause the brake fluid to boil or
the rubber components in the hydraulic
system to deteriorate.
If primary piston cups are swollen, then rubber parts
have deteriorated. The deterioration may also be
evidenced by swollen wheel cylinder piston cups on the
drum brake wheel.

Brakes Symptom Diagnosis

Condition
Not enough braking force Brake fluid leakage from brake lines
Brake pull
(Brakes not working in
unison)
Brake locked
(For vehicles equipped
with ABS)
Excessive pedal travel
(Pedal stroke too large)
Possible cause
Brake disc or pads stained with fluid
Overheated brakes
Poor contact of shoes on brake drum
Brake shoes linings stained with fluid or
wet with water
Badly worn brake shoe linings
Defective wheel cylinders
Malfunctioning caliper assembly
Air in system
Malfunctioning ABS (Antilock brake
system), if equipped
Pad or shoe linings are wet with water or
stained with fluid in some brakes
Drum-to-shoe clearance out of
adjustment in some brakes.
(malfunctioning auto adjusting
mechanism)
Drum is out of round in some brakes
Wheel tires are inflated unequally
Malfunctioning wheel cylinders
Disturbed front end alignment
Unmatched tires on same axle
Restricted brake pipes or hoses
Malfunctioning caliper assembly
Loose suspension parts
Loose calipers
Malfunctioning ABS, if equipped
Partial brake system failure
Insufficient fluid in master cylinder
reservoirs
Air in system (pedal soft / spongy)
Rear brake system not adjusted
(malfunctioning auto adjusting
mechanism)
Bent brake shoes
Worn rear brake shoes
If deterioration of rubber is evident, disassemble all
hydraulic parts and wash with alcohol. Dry these parts
with compressed air before assembly to keep alcohol out
of the system. Replace all rubber parts in the system,
including hoses. Also, when working on the brake
mechanisms, check for fluid on the linings. If excessive
fluid is found, replace the linings.
The system must be flushed if there is any doubt as to
the grade of fluid in the system or if fluid has been used
which contained parts that have been subjected to
contaminated fluid.
Correction / Reference Item
Locate leaking point and repair.
Clean or replace.
Determine cause and repair.
Repair for proper contact.
Replace.
Replace.
Repair or replace.
Repair or replace.
Bleed system.
Check system and replace as necessary.
Replace.
Check for inoperative auto adjusting
mechanism.
Replace.
Inflate equally.
Repair or replace.
Adjust as prescribed.
Tires with approximately the same amount of
tread should be used on the same axle.
Check for soft hoses and damaged lines.
Replace with new hoses and new brake piping.
Check for stuck or sluggish pistons and proper
lubrication of caliper slide bush.
Caliper should slide. Check all suspension
mountings.
Check and torque bolts to specifications.
Check system and replace as necessary.
Check brake systems and repair as necessary.
Fill reservoirs with approved brake fluid. Check
for leaks and air in brake systems. Check
warning light. Bleed system if required.
Bleed system.
Repair auto adjusting mechanism. Adjust rear
brakes.
Replace brake shoes.
Replace brake shoes.
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