Brakes Don't Seem To Grab Very Hard?

[Nbarr7655]

Hey guys. I have owned this truck for about 6 months now and ever since I got it I have noticed the brakes don't grab as hard as they should. (or at least to my knowledge). My dad has a 2005 Silverado regular cab and his brakes grab hard.

 

Mine on the other hand, not so much. Slightly different truck; 2004 Silverado Ext Cab 4x4. I have bled the system and the pads and rotors are new on front and back. Rear ones were done just a couple of months before I got the truck and the front ones were done by myself around a month ago. To my knowledge the calipers haven't been changed but when I was doing the front brakes I didn't have too much of an issue pressing them in so I don't believe there is much seizing going on.

 

Could it be the calipers though or something else?

 

The pedal has a bit of travel distance but nothing too horrible. It's just when I can feel the brakes start to grab I push a little more and a little more and then I really start to slow down. I feel like there isn't quite the sensitivity that their should be.

 

Ideas?

 

2004 Silverado Ext Cab 4x4

v8 5.3l 160k miles

[Chevor]

Ceramic pads? They last longer, don't produce dust, but stopping power isn't great.

[Nbarr7655]

Ceramic pads? They last longer, don't produce dust, but stopping power isn't great.

I wish that was the case lol. They are semi-metallic.

[Daryl Z71]

You could try bleeding the brakes to see if that changes anything. It'll only cost you some fluid.

[Nbarr7655]

You could try bleeding the brakes to see if that changes anything. It'll only cost you some fluid.

 

Have done that all around.

[Daryl Z71]

 

Have done that all around.

I see. Maybe try new pads?

[dkjbama]

This is why I use OE ACDelco pads. Brown box, not the less expensive Durastops. They're expensive, but they stop good, last a long time, and they're a known quantity instead of getting some random pads at a parts house and hoping they perform like you want.

[00Silverado4x4]

Possibly your master cylinder is going out. Also double check the vacuum line that goes to the engine to ensure there are no cracks or is loose.