Troubleshooting the brake system (Mazda Capella GC)

Note: Before concluding that the brake system is faulty, check the installation of the front wheels, the condition of the tires and their pressure. Also make sure that the vehicle is not overloaded and that the load is distributed evenly.

The car pulls to the side when braking

• The front or rear brake pads on one side are worn, defective, damaged or dirty (Section 1)
• The front or rear brake caliper/slave cylinder is stuck or partially stuck (Section 9)
• The linings of the installed brake pads are made of different materials (Section 1)
• The caliper mounting bolts are loose (Section 9)
• Steering or suspension components are worn or damaged (Section 10)

Squealing or grinding noise when braking

• The friction lining of the brake pad disc is worn out
• Excessive corrosion of the brake disc or drum (may appear if the car has been idle for some time)
• A foreign object is stuck between the brake disc and the shield (pebble, etc) (Section 1)

Brake pedal free play is greater than specified in the Specifications

• The master cylinder is faulty (Section 9)
• Air in the hydraulic system (Section 9)

"Soft" brake pedal

• Air in the hydraulic system (Section 9)
• The flexible rubber tubes of the high-pressure brake system line are damaged (Sections 1 or 9)
• The master cylinder mounting nuts are loose (Section 9)
• The master cylinder is faulty (Section 9)

Article is based on website data (MAZbook.ru)

It takes too much force to press the brake pedal

• The vacuum booster is faulty (Section 9)
• The brake booster vacuum hose is disconnected, damaged, or not tightly connected (Section 9)
• Damage in one of the hydraulic circuits (Section 9)
• The caliper piston or wheel cylinder is stuck
• The brake pads are not installed correctly (Section 1)
• The wrong type of brake pads are installed
• The brake pad linings are dirty (Section 1)

When braking, a strong vibration is felt in the brake pedal or steering wheel

• Excessive wear or deformation of discs or drums
• The brake pads are worn out (Section 1)
• The front brake caliper or rear brake backing plate mounting bolts are loose (Section 9)
• Worn steering or suspension mounts or components (Section 9)

Wheel braking

• The caliper piston or wheel cylinder is stuck
• The parking brake mechanism or cable is not adjusted correctly (Section 1)
• The master cylinder is faulty (Section 9)

Rear wheel lockup during normal braking

• The rear brake pads are dirty (Section 1)
• The brake pressure regulator is faulty