Brake performance issues

[Matahoe]

As of late my truck seems to be gettting harder to stop. When coming to a stop light it feels like i am going to glide right into the back of the car in front if me. In other words it seems as if I need to press the brake pedal much harder (lack of boost?) than normal. The brakes feel like they aren't grabbing good enough. Not sure if this is a brake pad issue or master cylinder or not. It cant be a hydroboost issue because the system exhibits the same performance weather the engine is on or off. The issue is noticeable weather towing or not. Need help with determining an effective course of action in starting to troubleshoot. Thanks.

 

[Jeff Groves]

It cant be a hydroboost issue because the system exhibits the same performance weather the engine is on or off.

This confuses me.
Are you saying you shut the engine off while driving and tried to stop?
If the pedal feels the same with engine running and engine off in the drive way? I'd suspect the boost.

 

[Matahoe]

This confuses me.
Are you saying you shut the engine off while driving and tried to stop?
If the pedal feels the same with engine running and engine off in the drive way? I'd suspect the boost.

I'm trying to troubleshoot it like a vacuum boost to simplify things. If the pedal feels the same with engine running and also when putting in neutral and turning engine off then I would think pressure related.

 

[swathdiver]

As of late my truck seems to be gettting harder to stop. When coming to a stop light it feels like i am going to glide right into the back of the car in front if me. In other words it seems as if I need to press the brake pedal much harder (lack of boost?) than normal. The brakes feel like they aren't grabbing good enough. Not sure if this is a brake pad issue or master cylinder or not. It cant be a hydroboost issue because the system exhibits the same performance weather the engine is on or off. The issue is noticeable weather towing or not. Need help with determining an effective course of action in starting to troubleshoot. Thanks.

Has your pedal travel changed any? Does it move while sitting at a light? Either way, I'm leaning towards a master cylinder but you should check your pads and check for leaks first. A collapsed hose can also cause this feeling.

 

[Matahoe]

I'll check again but im pretty sure it's not a leaky/bad master cylinder. The pedal is rock solid and holds its height. Will check lines at calipers again. I saw something about checking the brake pressure with a guage at the caliper. I might do that.

 

[swathdiver]

I'll check again but im pretty sure it's not a leaky/bad master cylinder. The pedal is rock solid and holds its height. Will check lines at calipers again. I saw something about checking the brake pressure with a guage at the caliper. I might do that.

You can probably rule out the master then. Consider also a stuck piston or two, she is near fifteen years old.

 

[Matahoe]

Just changed the old rusty factory calipers a few years ago. Preemptive maintenance is my motto. I suppose both the replacements could still be bad. It wouldn't be the first time an overseas re-manufactured caliper wasn't properly gone through. However having two bad ones seems remote from my experience. I am leaning towards a hydroboost or power steering pump as the issue. Who is the power steering guru around here?

 

[Woodblocker55]

My guess hydro boost or vacuum boost is toast .
I'm not going to be one that informs you how much hydroboost unit cost. [emoji106][emoji15][emoji849]

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[Matahoe]

My guess hydro boost or vacuum boost is toast .
I'm not going to be one that informs you how much hydroboost unit cost. [emoji106][emoji15][emoji849]

Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk

Yeah, I was thinking it could be the hydroboost as well. I am going to check the service manual again and see if there is a well defined procedure. Would hate to replace the hydroboost without any proof it really is bad. I also thought about attempting a rebuild instead. I have seen kits on Amazon and ebay.

 

[Woodblocker55]

Yeah, I was thinking it could be the hydroboost as well. I am going to check the service manual again and see if there is a well defined procedure. Would hate to replace the hydroboost without any proof it really is bad. I also thought about attempting a rebuild instead. I have seen kits on Amazon and ebay.

Yes try to rebuild or find someone that has done it .
I have hydroboost in my Yukon XL and motorhome . Still have my fingers crossed there working good yet .

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