Brake problem on 1996 K3500

mjeltema · 12-20-2006, 04:35 AM

Hi, I'm new to this forum. The front brakes were just serviced on my 1996 Chevy 3500, new rotors, pads, and rebuilt calipers. The brakes worked great for about 3 weeks then I noticed the truck pulling to the right when the brakes were applied. Inspection revealed that the left side wheel was hot after the drive home from work. I assumed I had a seized caliper piston so I replaced the caliper with another rebuilt unit. This did not change the situation, the truck still pulls to the right when the brakes are applied and the left brake still gets hot. I don't see any trouble codes displayed on the instrument panel. Could I have a problem with the ABS unit? I am looking for advice on confirming or troubleshooting the ABS unit, including the proper way to bleed the unit. Thanks in advance.

nnunez · 12-20-2006, 05:34 AM

Maybe the brake hose?

I did the brake thing to my 96 as well but didnt change the hoses. As it turned out, the side that pulled had a bad hose (in the ID). I replaced it, bled it and it was fine after that.

Chevy808 · 12-20-2006, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjeltema

Hi, I'm new to this forum. The front brakes were just serviced on my 1996 Chevy 3500, new rotors, pads, and rebuilt calipers. The brakes worked great for about 3 weeks then I noticed the truck pulling to the right when the brakes were applied. Inspection revealed that the left side wheel was hot after the drive home from work. I assumed I had a seized caliper piston so I replaced the caliper with another rebuilt unit. This did not change the situation, the truck still pulls to the right when the brakes are applied and the left brake still gets hot. I don't see any trouble codes displayed on the instrument panel. Could I have a problem with the ABS unit? I am looking for advice on confirming or troubleshooting the ABS unit, including the proper way to bleed the unit. Thanks in advance.

I posted a ABS brake bleeding website on kafer36's thread "1990 brake problem". Go there it should help you. Sound like the ABS is allowing more fluid pressure to one side only.

bradrhale · 12-20-2006, 10:59 AM

sometimes shops when replacing pads will let the calipers hang down from the lines. that is devastating to the brake lines because it can strip the inside lining from the connections at the ends of the hoses. i would check those first. have seen that happen alot.

mjeltema · 12-27-2006, 06:08 AM

Yup, that fixed it. I replaced the left side brake hose, bled the brakes, and now the vehicle stops straight and true. Thanks everyone. Minneapolis.

12-20-2006, 04:35 AM	#1
mjeltema Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9	Brake problem on 1996 K3500 Hi, I'm new to this forum. The front brakes were just serviced on my 1996 Chevy 3500, new rotors, pads, and rebuilt calipers. The brakes worked great for about 3 weeks then I noticed the truck pulling to the right when the brakes were applied. Inspection revealed that the left side wheel was hot after the drive home from work. I assumed I had a seized caliper piston so I replaced the caliper with another rebuilt unit. This did not change the situation, the truck still pulls to the right when the brakes are applied and the left brake still gets hot. I don't see any trouble codes displayed on the instrument panel. Could I have a problem with the ABS unit? I am looking for advice on confirming or troubleshooting the ABS unit, including the proper way to bleed the unit. Thanks in advance.

12-20-2006, 05:34 AM	#2
nnunez Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 307	Maybe the brake hose? I did the brake thing to my 96 as well but didnt change the hoses. As it turned out, the side that pulled had a bad hose (in the ID). I replaced it, bled it and it was fine after that. Last edited by nnunez; 12-20-2006 at 10:25 AM.

12-27-2006, 06:08 AM	#5
mjeltema Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9	Thanks for brake hose suggestion Yup, that fixed it. I replaced the left side brake hose, bled the brakes, and now the vehicle stops straight and true. Thanks everyone. Minneapolis.

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12-20-2006, 10:59 AM	#4
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 9,542	sometimes shops when replacing pads will let the calipers hang down from the lines. that is devastating to the brake lines because it can strip the inside lining from the connections at the ends of the hoses. i would check those first. have seen that happen alot.