96 Tahoe 4x4 Brake Issues-Need Help

[highlander]

Recently I bought this Tahoe and it seems to have some kind of brake issues but its hard to nail down what exactly is going on.
Thought I would see if anyone else has had these same issues, and what they did to fix it.

Half the time, the pedal will go about half way and the brakes seem to work as they should.
The other half the time, the pedal is full to the top and hard to press, and the front brake calipers on both sides will not release completely and in turn will heat up the rotors. They will hang and actually drag while driving and in turn have about burnt up the front brake pads and are really killing my mpg.

Anyone had this same issue, and what did you end up finding out was the cause for this?

Mine does have antilock brakes but no lights on the dash showing.

 

[Gzes]

the truck was sitting before u bought it right. its stuck and a lil wd40 should fix it. if not then put in new system

 

[psfr311]

i had the same problem with the pedal.
ended up being my brake booster just replaced it and its fine now

 

[highlander]

WD40 where or what??? Are you saying to put some WD40 in the brake master cylinder and bleed it through the system?
Usually if its just calipers sticking, then the only way to fix them is normally to replace them.
I have also heard on the older Chevy's that the rubber brake lines are prone to collapse inside and the only way to fix that is to also replace them.

This problem goes and comes and has no particular times that it will do it. Its totally random but is really becoming a major pain.
As far as I know, this vehicle has never really sat up. Its showing 275K on the odometer now and on its second engine and 3rd tranny.

---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:04 PM ----------

That could explain my high idle issue also I guess if there is a pin hole in the diaphram on the booster. Vacuum leaks=high idle condition.

i had the same problem with the pedal.
ended up being my brake booster just replaced it and its fine now

 

[gpracer1]

Most likely the master cylinder.

 

[Gzes]

i was saying to put it in the caliper parts that might be rusted like the moving pieces. i cant really explain it maybe someone else can

 

[dsltrc]

I'd like to add that WD40 may not be the best solution for stuck parts... Yes it is great for freeing up stuck parts but it isn't a long term solution.... Reason being is that WD40 will dry out and then turns sticky... I had the calipers on my old truck get rusty where they slide on the pins... I cleaned the pins and holes they slide in then lubed them with bearing grease.... Food for thought

 

[highlander]

Let me give an update now since this problem has changed its pattern now to every time I drive it.
You will start out with the brakes working properly and releasing just fine. After about 10 miles or so of driving and stopping starting, the pedal will get harder and harder to push then eventually will build up to staying at the very top when you go to push it down.
At this point, both front calipers will not completely release and now there is drag on the brakes and its enough that it loads up my engine and causes it to strain a little while driving.
It did this this morning and last night. Same exact thing. The farther you drive it, the worse it seems to get. I drove a total of 20 miles this morning. First 10 miles was fine, the second 10 miles was crap. By the time I got to work I could smell the brakes on both front wheels.
Something for sure is holding pressure on the front calipers and its not the Antilock stuff cause I unplugged the fuse to it before I left for work this morning and it still did the same exact thing it did last night coming home from work.

 

[dsltrc]

I suggest you replace the brake booster and the master cylinder as previously suggested... DO NOT keep driving like it is as it can start a fire... I have seen it happen... It is not pretty..

Like this idiot did...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51CDMAAC9ao

 

[SunlitComet]

Check for a good vacuum pull at booster hose and if that is okay replace your booster now.