Archived ABS brake problem

[SMalafy]

I had just finished replacing all my brake lines on my 95 and added a rebuilt master cylinder as I thought the original was bad. I bled the MC on the bench and bled the lines several times and still have problems with the ABS and the red brake light coming on after driving the truck for about 10 minutes. The truck still stops good but I am feeling a shuddering when backing up slowly.

I got frustrated and took the truck to a dealer and they told me my booster was leaking and replaced it. Well the booster was not the problem and now I am 445 dollars poorer. They told me the pump was working good but that I have a slight hydraulic leak in the calipers or wheel cylinders that they could not find.

I seem to be having the problem when I am going up or down a steep hill. Thats when the lights come on. If I shut the truck off and wait a little while, then start up again and drive the lights will be off until I hit a hill again.

Can any one help me out here as the stupid dealer in Hyde Park N. Y. sure can't. Thanks :{

 

[Jim McCarty]

Thoroughly check ALL your vacuum lines (especially the one going to the cruise control under the drivers side battery). Don't ask how I know this. It gave me fits for a month but at least I found it before I had replaced every piece of brake related hardware on the truck. It seems the black plastic vacuum lines get brittle and can break or crack and release your vacuum. I used my Mityvac but it doesn't draw enough air to make a leaking noise. I just unplugged the line at the fitting near the firewall and sucked on it and the leak was obvious. Good luck.

 

[SMalafy]

Thanks ,I'll look into that.

 

[p-Bar]

I'd be *****ing at the dealer about that 445. 00 . If it wasn't broke take it of and give me my money back,That really sucks , hope you fix it

 

[sstefanini]

Try unplugging the low vacuum switch on the drivers fenderwell. If you have a vacuum leak this will keep the abs and brake light from coming on. Then, like Jim said get out the mightyvac. I chased this issue for a month before I found the leak on the cruise line under the battery.