My wife has a 1999 Tahoe 2-door that she just loves. It is all jacked up with lots of chrome etc. etc.

This morning she called me saying that her brake pedal just went all the way to the floor and it was hard to stop. She parked it and got a ride to work. Is there anything these are known for that I should look for first?

We had new brake pads put on it last year.

 

My guess is the vacuum booster is out, its the big round thing behind the brake fluid reservoir.
There not too expensive and not to difficult to replace.
That or you had a brake line or cylinder blow out but you should see fluid leaking if that is the case


EDIT

check the obvious
that the brake fluid reservoir cap is on and that you have the correct amount
check for cracks in the vacuum line to the booster

 

Thanks, I will check tonight. Does anyone know of a place on line to get an idea how to change a booster out ncase that is it? can I get one at a salvage or is it best to buy new?

 

You'll want to buy it new,
you can pick one up at auto zone for about $125.00 remanufactured,you'll also have to trade in the old one. If you plan on keeping the vehicle for a while longer I'd go with OEM parts, they will cost a little bit more but it will probably last another 10 years

You can check online for do it yourself info but if your not feeling that handicapible.
Check with the auto parts store you buy your parts from, the replacement part may have instructions in the box on how to replace it.
When in doubt have it done by a professional

http://www.autozone.com/R,2360457/ve...ductDetail.htm


EDIT
The booster may not be the problem /only problem sometimes the master cylinder can be at issue, if you are uncertain have it checked out first

 

I replaced the booster in my 1995 tahoe, getting the part out is the hardest part, there are four bolts holding to the firewall, then pull it from the brake line side, its not hard, just time consuming getting your hands way up in there, mine failed as I was driving down a huge hill, luckily at 5 MPH, else i would ahve never stopped this 4,500 lb truck! the new booster made it feel like I could stop much better... it was a lot easier to push the pedal, but still my same old brakes... so, no, it doesn't stop faster... I assume they kept the hydro boost for the 07+ tahoes? they started that in 05? 04?

 

i wouldnt go to autozone for candy bars...go to advance...i work there and all i get is complaints about autozone parts...they buy from the cheapest bidder and sell it for 10x what they paid for....so do the right and get the right parts first =)