Weak brakes on 2001 Silverado
#1
Weak brakes on 2001 Silverado
I have owned my 2001 Silverado (5.3l, Ext. Cab, short bed, Z71) for a few years now. It has always been very weak on braking. My biggest concern is that I cannot even get the ABS to kick in (unless on ice). I have new rotors and pads, had the brake system flushed and bled. One of my tests was driving it home one night when it was raining, on a straight stretch of road (no other traffic around) I stood on the brakes. From 25mph the truck just slowed to a stop. The ABS never made a peep. This tells me the hydraulic pressure is not enough to grab the rotors and lock up the tires. The dealer says this is normal, but my friend also has a 2001 Silverado - non Z71, if he lays on the brakes the ABS kicks in and there is a significant difference in stopping power. Could this be a problem with the master cylinder? I have also heard that air in the ABS unit could be a problem - but I had the system bled at the dealer. I refuse to accept that the brakes just naturally suck.
#4
Super Moderator
Professional Mechanic
Professional Mechanic
#5
I've got the 4-wheel disc brakes, but I'll stack my 2500HD's braking ability up to the smallest import you can find. Where I live they have to be that good, or you couldn't survive in the traffic. There's always some cupcake in a Honda or Subaru jammin' on his brakes right in front of you here.
MDTAHOE's right again, I'd check the hydraulics. I've noticed a lot of brake shops don't bother bleeding the brakes when they're done the brake job.{God knows why.}
Power bleeding comes to mind. My girlfriend's 01-1500-4X4 stops on a dime.
MDTAHOE's right again, I'd check the hydraulics. I've noticed a lot of brake shops don't bother bleeding the brakes when they're done the brake job.{God knows why.}
Power bleeding comes to mind. My girlfriend's 01-1500-4X4 stops on a dime.
#6
Thanks all,
I am using stock wheels and tire size. It sounds like I should get the hydraulic pressure checked out next. It's too bad right now, aside from the brakes it rides like a Cadillac.
To be continued...
I am using stock wheels and tire size. It sounds like I should get the hydraulic pressure checked out next. It's too bad right now, aside from the brakes it rides like a Cadillac.
To be continued...
#7
CF Active Member
sounds like air somewhere to me, wider tires are harder to skid because they lay down a bigger footprint but thats not the case, how is the peddal, is it spongy or firm right at the top
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dlf35121
Computer, Ignition, & Fuel Systems
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March 4th, 2020 12:06 AM