1991 GMC truck brake problem

GMCMark · 10-31-2009, 05:03 PM

Hi everybody, my first thread!! I have a stock 1991 GMC Sierra c1500 extended cab truck. For the longest time the brake light was on. I checked for fluid leaks........nothing. It was my dad's truck at first and before he gave it to me he had brand new stainless brake lines installed. Not to long ago the brake pedal started to get closer and closer to the floor. I figured that from the internet and other people I was talking to, that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. So I went to Napa and got a remanufactured master, took it home, bench bleed it, and installed it. I then went on to bleed the entire system with nice new fluid. Well....................my brake pedal still travels close to the floor, I still have brakes, but they ain't like there supposed to be!!!! A little scary. Any other ideas????? Thanks so much in advance!

Mark

mtsnieg · 10-31-2009, 06:23 PM

If your rear brakes are out of adjustment it will cause your symptoms. Pul the rear drums and check them. Adjust the drums so the is a slight resistance when you put the drums back on.

BernieB · 10-31-2009, 07:31 PM

Yeah, if the pedal feels low, but isn't sinking when you step on it, the most likely cause is rear brakes out of adjustment. Could be the self adjusters aren't working, or it could be you're not doing enough braking in reverse to keep 'em tight.

How's the parking brake? If that's also low, or sloppy, then that's another clue the rears need adjusting or replacing.

GMCMark · 11-02-2009, 06:30 PM

Thanks guys! You were right. I thought there was a full brake job done on this thing before I got it. I was wrong. The adjusters were almost seized!! So I stripped everything off, cleaned it, put some anti-seize on it, and then put it all back together it. Works great now, although I do think a new spring kit will be in order!!! Thanks once again.

crabtruck · 11-03-2009, 11:46 PM

Thanks for posting back the final result, helps everyone.

10-31-2009, 05:03 PM	#1
GMCMark Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2	1991 GMC truck brake problem Hi everybody, my first thread!! I have a stock 1991 GMC Sierra c1500 extended cab truck. For the longest time the brake light was on. I checked for fluid leaks........nothing. It was my dad's truck at first and before he gave it to me he had brand new stainless brake lines installed. Not to long ago the brake pedal started to get closer and closer to the floor. I figured that from the internet and other people I was talking to, that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. So I went to Napa and got a remanufactured master, took it home, bench bleed it, and installed it. I then went on to bleed the entire system with nice new fluid. Well....................my brake pedal still travels close to the floor, I still have brakes, but they ain't like there supposed to be!!!! A little scary. Any other ideas????? Thanks so much in advance! Mark

10-31-2009, 06:23 PM	#2
mtsnieg Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Okauchee, WI Posts: 60	If your rear brakes are out of adjustment it will cause your symptoms. Pul the rear drums and check them. Adjust the drums so the is a slight resistance when you put the drums back on. __________________ '94 Chevy Silverado Z71 Xtra cab 4x4 350cid 4l60e auto

10-31-2009, 07:31 PM	#3
BernieB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 1,910	Yeah, if the pedal feels low, but isn't sinking when you step on it, the most likely cause is rear brakes out of adjustment. Could be the self adjusters aren't working, or it could be you're not doing enough braking in reverse to keep 'em tight. How's the parking brake? If that's also low, or sloppy, then that's another clue the rears need adjusting or replacing. __________________ If the guys who design 'em had to take one home, use it every day for 2 years, and do all the maint and repairs themselves, cars would have a button on the dash to change the oil, filters & plugs.

11-02-2009, 06:30 PM	#4
GMCMark Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2	Thanks!! Thanks guys! You were right. I thought there was a full brake job done on this thing before I got it. I was wrong. The adjusters were almost seized!! So I stripped everything off, cleaned it, put some anti-seize on it, and then put it all back together it. Works great now, although I do think a new spring kit will be in order!!! Thanks once again.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

11-03-2009, 11:46 PM	#5
crabtruck Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: on your 9 Posts: 3,366	Thanks for posting back the final result, helps everyone.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
1991 S10 Heat/AC Vacuum Problem	rdhack	Chevy Truck Forum	0	09-24-2009 05:25 PM
1991 Chevy C2500 4x2 brake problems	skyline2250	Chevy Truck Forum	10	05-20-2009 04:49 PM
1991 1500 Brake Lights Stick On?	harleypapa	GMC Truck Forum	8	11-09-2007 07:02 AM
Dodge truck brake problem	BlakRam	Dodge Truck Forum	3	04-02-2006 04:27 PM