2016 Chevy Trax LT AWD 1.4L Turbo here.

ANYONE ever had or heard of a hard/stiff brake pedal only after using cruise control? I have perplexed four mechanics with about 120 years combined on the job.

New brake pads, it doesn't ever do it unless I use cruise control or the car sits for a couple of days. Vacuum pump replaced, not that. 78k miles on it and I got it used with 63k and a few hundred in repairs and replacements (front wheel, plugs, etc.). I can drive for hours, drive at same speed to try and emulate cruise and brake pedal is fine. Cruise for 10 minutes? Brake hard and stiff. I have to tap once to get it to work correctly.

Any help is most appreciated. I dont have the $ to dump into a master cylinder when that may mot fix the problem. Thanks in advance!

Cherry Bomb Chevy

 

I would check your vacuum lines are free and clear of any debris, the vacuum is created by the engine through the intake manifold, possible that some gunk may have gotten in the hoses, there is also a small check valve between the lines, it’s usually pretty close to the brake booster, I would check that it’s clear of any debris and functional, it’s a one way valve, I’ll try and see what else I can come up with.

 

Most appreciated. I have to get it back to TN to regular mechanic that I 100% trust and pay him for diagnostics work. I can't bring myself to take it to the Chevy dealer here in Central Florida / Spacecoast where the dealership mechanics stink (probably because of the way they are paid, by book $ on repair, not actual time) and will rob me blind (especially a 9 year old car). Stuck here in FL caring for aged mother Thanks so much.

 

it’s tough to find a good mechanic! I used to work at a stealership (that’s what i call it lol) they do some sketchy stuff that i would never participate in, it came to a point customers would ask for me and me only to work on their vehicles, you’re very welcome, hope you figure it out and hope you’re mother is ok!

 

My mechanic so good I married him! He was at a Cadillac / Nissan dealership here in Florida and it sucked, he didnt stay there long. Thanks again.