I have a 2003 Silverado 1500. The front brakes wont release once they are applied. Seems to only happen when the truck is running. Once the engine is turned off there is a slight release of the brakes but they are still on. All of the calipers seem to be OK, I was able to decompress them with a clamp using little force. Is there a release valve somewhere in the system that needs to be replaced? Could it be something in the ABS system? Can you help before I start changing parts unnecessarily?

 

how many miles are on it? it could be time for a rebuild kit or new calipers. what could be happening is the caliper is bad and obviously not releasing or the pins arent greased and getting stuck when applied.

 

thanks for the reply. There are about 98000 miles on it. Original calipers. Pins are well greased and not binding. I could try rebuilding the calipers as they are probably due, but I was able to decompress them with a clamp.

 

I still get the sense that it is something at the master cylender level that is not releasing even though the pedal releases, and is actually "higher" when this is happening.

 

What are the best quality of calipers, rotors and flex hoses to buy?

I have currently been using Napa premium stuff.

 

My 98 silverado did the same, and it was the brake hoses. I replaced both hoses and it fixed it. you could take them loose and see if the fluid flows freely. I replaced both calipers on mine and it still did the same, untill i replaced the hoses. I found out on mine by taking the hoses loose, and blowing into them... Old skool way....

 

what happens is on mos of the brake lines the metal inside the lines break..and its like a valve..once u push the peddle it stays instead of letting it release..i'd say replace the line .I've had a few that has done this to me.

 

is it hard to steer at all?

 

I would replace the brake hose first, they are the most likely cause. Calipers would be second.

 

yeah..x2 on this

and to be clear on what i posted a second ago i was talking about the lines from the frame rail to the caliber..