Help please - soft brake pedal, abs light ,etc

[Natalie]

I have a 2004 Yukon Denali. My son got in the other day, pressed the brake pedal to be able to start the truck (I think he pressed it harder than needed) The ABS light and emergency brake light came on. Brake went limp and its stating brake system needs service.

Any ideas on what it could be?

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Can you see fluid anywhere? Check at each wheel, along the frame on the drivers side, and under the hood by the master cylinder.

 

[DenaliJJ]

As he already stated but it sounds like a line broke. These are notorious for lines rusting and bursting. If there isn't any fluid in the res than add some and watch for the leak

 

[Natalie]

All the lines have been replaced. rear was replaced 2 years ago, front was replaced a couple before that. I'll check the fluid and take it from there. I've driven it and it still brakes, but i have to push it all the way down.

 

[DenaliJJ]

Try bleeding them?

 

[iamdub]

Does it growl off and on when you press the brake like the ABS is activating? I know the wheel sensors can get dirty and/or damaged and make the ABS system activate unnecessarily. You can remove the ABS fuse to disable the ABS system as a diagnostic measure. Even though the lines have been replaced, maybe especially since the lines have been replaced, you should check them over. Mechanics make mistakes, lines and their flared ends can be defective, etc. Or it could be totally unrelated to the lines and there's a leak elsewhere. Make sure the reservoir is full and inspect the lines from there as you work your way towards the back checking for wetness.

 

[Natalie]

No growling noise. I'm going to check the reservoir today. hopefully i'll make it home while the sun is still out.

 

[Natalie]

It’s the brake line. The reservoir was very low. Filled it with what fluid I had left. Took it for a drive. Came back and when I pulled in, I heard something spitting when I get the brakes. Looked underneath and saw a nice puddle behind the drivers side wheel. This kid needs a job. He will be re-paying me for this one.

 

[DenaliJJ]

Glad you found the problem. Might need them to replace the other side too just to be sure.

 

[iamdub]

It's better to have such a leak spring up on you in your own driveway than when stomping the brake in an emergency stop on the street. Also, you shouldn't be able to bust a brake line by pressing "too" ******* the pedal- there was a problem waiting to happen. Look at it as your son doing you and those on the road around you a favor by causing the weak spot to finally burst.