1999 GMC Savanna 3500. Engine Size : 5.7 Question Here: Master cylinder leaks from reservoir replaced 3 times plus lids no sign of any other leaks. Brake pedal feels low replaced all brake parts?
Answer: You probably still have air in the brake lines somewhere. They are difficult to bleed at times, especially if you don't have anyone to help you. Also, if you have anti lock brakes on the van, there is a special procedure to bleed the ABS unit, that requires a scanner. It can be done without a scanner, but is a long process. The master cylinder should have been bled on the bench before installing to the vehicle, and then again once installed. If you have not done this, you can try to bleed the master cylinder by removing the lines from it and have someone slowly depress the brake pedal while you hold your fingers over the holes.
Once the fluid starts to squirt out around your fingers, watch for air bubbles in the fluid to be gone and then replace the lines. Gravity bleed the front and rear brakes, preferably running an entire brake fluid bottle through the system. Keep topping off the master as necessary. Tighten all bleeders, then go through the regular bleeding procedure starting at the right rear, then left rear, then right front, then left front. If that doesn't help, you either have a problem still or need the ABS unit bled using a scanner.
1989 S-10 Blazer 4.3L. Question: After a 10 mile drive the front rotors are burning hot. The left side is worse than the right. The calipers, pads, rotors, and rubber hose are relatively new (previous owner). I took apart the left side and the caliper easily moves out (when applying the brakes), but when I try to compress the caliper piston with a C-Clamp it is really difficult. What do you think?
Answer: With all of these parts put on by someone else, you never can know the quality of those parts. Try loosening a caliper bleeder to see if the piston will go in. If it does, tighten it back up, then loosen the corresponding line at the master cylinder. If it compresses, then the problem is most likely in the master cylinder. If not you have a kinked or restricted pipe.
Brakes Or Tires First
I was just told I need front and rear brakes pads and rotors. As well as four new tires. I can't do all at once. What should I do first?
Answer: Well that depends on how bad each of them are. If the tires are bald, do those first. If the car won't stop, do that first.
