Brakes Are Hanging Up

sahls01gmc · October 31, 2011

I have on 01 Sierra 2500 and I'm having problems with my brakes.

Every now and then, the front calipers will hang up on the rotors, and make it difficult/impossible to move the truck at all. I've noticed that the brake pedal is very stiff before the brakes start hanging up. At first, there is only a slight drag on the rotors when you let off the brakes, but eventually each time you press the brake pedal the problem gets worse and worse until the truck is no longer able to move.

What could be causing these symptoms? The truck has 225,000 miles. I have noticed that the master cylinder is leaking along the firewall. What part of that assembly would I typically have to replace? Where should I first start looking for problems?

I really appreciate any input you can provide.

James

00Silverado4x4 · October 31, 2011

I'd say your caliper slide pins are needing to be lubed up. Also if you haven't had it done, a full brake fluid change & bleed. As far as your leak at the firewall I'm not that knowledgeable. Sorry.

sahls01gmc · October 31, 2011

Thank you for the response!

What is the best "lube" for the slide pins?

Does anyone know what the best solution is for the fluid leak at the firewall? I'm sure that there are a couple of different factors that are resulting in the brake issues, so I want to try and fix as many of them as I can.

Again, thanks for the assistance!

James

00Silverado4x4 · October 31, 2011

I just use same grease as for my chassis. Standard high temp bearing grease. Worked fine & helps keep out any water.

wavery · October 31, 2011

You may want to replace the bolts while you are at it. I'd inspect the calipers carefully. If they are hanging that bad, it may be time to replace them. The pistons may be seizing up.

Duelin · November 1, 2011

If you still have the problem after checking the calipers and the sliders I would check the brake hoses. You could have a collapsed brake hose holding pressure. If you are getting brake fluid at the fire wall the rear seal on the master cylinder is leaking or it is overflowing from the reservoir. Spray it down with some brake cleaner (be careful and keep it off the paint). Then watch it real close to see where it is coming from.

sahls01gmc · November 1, 2011

Thanks for the info guys. I will be flushing the fluid this weekend, and inspecting the calipers a lil more closely as well.

Duelin... It seems to me that a "seal" is leaking which is causing the leak. I have never seen the resevoir overflow, I've never seen it above the MAX line. What is the best route for eliminating the leak? Should I just get a whole new master cylinder while I'm there, or just get a new seal, and hope that takes care of it?

James