2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission brake pressure

[VolsFan]

I have been doing a lot of searching for my problem before I posted this and still cannot seem to find a definitive answer. I changed both of my calipers with reman ones from advanced auto a month or two ago with the hopes that it would help stop my truck better, as I have been having to gradually apply more and more pressure to the pedal to get the truck to stop. That didnt really help. Riding around empty isnt too bad, but today I had a cattle trailer behind me and I almost had to push the pedal to the floor on a steep grade to get that thing to stop. That really sucked. I thought I was going to have to use the e-brake. From what I have read, I'm thinking its hydroboost or the brake lines collapsing. Is there any way I can tell what it is before I start throwing money at it aimlessly? Also, while doing a search, I saw how 2000-2002 trucks can be upgraded to 3rd gen brakes. Can this be done with 99 and older? Heck, switching to the 00-02 two piston brakes would be a vast improvement over the single piston brakes I got, they dont look a whole lot bigger than the calipers on my old jeep. Thanks for any info,

Rick

 

[SMorneau]

FWIW, I would inspect the steel brake lines, and replace the brake hoses if you even suspect them. Not that expensive if you can do them yourself. Next I would inspect the pads and possibly change them to a different composition. If you end up replacing the hydraboost at least the rest of the system will be up to snuff. If you want a brand new unit you can talk to Jim at Welcome to Hydratech Braking Systems :: High Performance Hydraulic Brake Assist Systems .

Have you noticed any deficiency in your power steering?

You could also have horribly glazed rotors. Maybe time to use some sandpaper on them.

Whatever you do please update this post so someone else may find a definitive answer.

Scott

 

[SRadke]

Have you looked at your rear brakes? It's entirely possible the self adjusters are not working and they are simply out of adjustment making them inoperable.

 

[JMcCoy]

Sound like a standard 94-99 brake problem. Have you adjusted your rear drum brakes? I suggest gm 1 ton rear wheel cylinders. They made a huge difference. There are no upgraded calipers for your truck. 2000-2002 are totally different. 3rd gen brakes will mount on a 2000-2002 front end, but that doesn't help you. EGR makes a blue printed, remanufactured, version of the stock brake. I have not heard wonderful things about them. I installed 93 ford knuckles, hubs, rotors, and two piston calipers. They also made a huge difference. I plan to eliminate the level adjusting proportioning valve at the rear. This may also help you. Good luck.

 

[VolsFan]

Thanks for all the info. I just had new shoes put on a few months ago. I am going to be on the road for a few weeks so the truck will sit in my shop, but when I get back I am going to try a different brake pad, sand the rotors which I suspect are glazed(thanks SMorneau) and probably swap out the hoses. My power steering is fine, so probably not the hydroboost thank goodness. Also, the gm one ton cylinders sound like a nice, inexpensive upgrade, do they fit right in place of the stock ones?

 

[VolsFan]

I just got back today and took the glaze off of the rotors, (which are powerlsots with about 60k on them), using 80 grit on an orbital sander and replaced the front hoses with ones from Napa. The replacement hoses for $60 seems like a good investment because now my brake pedal is nice and firm. I have not pulled a trailer with it yet, but I feel certain that I will not have to push the pedal to the floor to come to a stop. Thanks for all the info

 

[JMcCoy]

Yes, the GM wheel cylinders bolt right up with no modification. Real easy.

 

[WestTN]

The rear brakes are probably in need of adjustment, but if the pedal effort is much higher when pulling a trailer, then you need to check the trailer brakes ASAP.

 

[3grumpy]

what about putting brakes on the trailer

 

[grimesja]

Interestingly enough, I am having a similiar issue with my 01. Sometimes even empty, it feels like you have to try to push the pedal through the floor.

 

[VolsFan]

grimesja, check out your hoses. Mine were original, at 190k they are replaced, and that made a world of difference. When I put on reman calipers I got the cheapy advance auto brand pads, I always ran hawk pads. I think I'm gonna switch back because these pads still seem kinda soft. I have gone through two sets of pads in 20k because of irregular wear, first I overhauled the calipers, then I replaced them, now I'm going on the 3rd set because the ones I got suck. Empty they are fine, but when i got load behind me, different story.