Testing Your Brake Pedal Action
*EASY*
You should occasionally test the brake pedal and hydraulic system as follows:
- Park the vehicle on level ground with the engine OFF, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK (for automatic) or REVERSE (for manual).
- Apply pressure to the brake pedal until it moves no farther. The pedal should move smoothly until it stops. If resistance fluctuates as the pedal is depressed, the disc brake piston may be stuck or a flexible brake hose may be deteriorated. See also Excessive Pedal Pressure Required.
- If your brake pedal can go to the floor, pump it a few times to build a "reserve." The pedal should get hard and not move past the reserve point. If no reserve can be created after pumping the pedal, the master cylinder is faulty. See also Excessive Pedal Travel Required.
- If the pedal cannot maintain its reserve for one minute and gradually moves downward, there is a leak in the system.
- After firmly holding down the brake pedal, gradually release it (but not completely), then gradually apply pressure again. If the reserve slowly fades, there is most likely a leak in the master cylinder primary cup.