Weaker Brakes When Turning?

[CoffeyLover]

Hey guys, I have what I think is a basic question although I am not sure what specifics I would need to provide, so tell me if you need details. Although my truck has a long travel kit and such on it, I still think this could apply to any Silverado.

 

Truck: 2003 Silverado 1500

 

So on to the problem. It seems that when my front wheels are cranked in one direction or the other, I lose pressure in my brake pedal. It is especially prevalent when I pull into a parking spot. I turn hard left (or right) into the spot and when I go to press the brake pedal, it loses most pressure and I have to press it a lot further than normal.

 

I cannot seem to locate any leaking fluid, and the master cylinder fluid level is not dropping. Any ideas? I have aftermarket rotors but the calipers are stock. Maybe the fluid compound is worn out and just needs to be flushed?

 

Thanks for any help in advance,

Blake

[Doug_Scott]

I think you will find you have a bad wheel bearing. If the bearing is loose, it will allow the wheel to "wobble" in relation to the hub and caliper. This will make the rotor push the brake pad back into the caliper, and when you brake, the pad has to be pushed back out. Jack the truck up, and grab the tire at the top and bottom, push/pull the tire looking for play. You will want to also check all the fasteners you touched when installing the rotors.

[SierraJoe1110]

Its not possible its the abs kicking on is it? I had that problem with my 99 and I know a couple of guys who had the same problem on GMT 800s. I noticed it the most when turn into parking spaces. But I could feel the abs bucking and engaging too early keeping the brakes from working. I don't know if that helps with your problem. Sorry

[jimlem]

Hey guys, I have what I think is a basic question although I am not sure what specifics I would need to provide, so tell me if you need details. Although my truck has a long travel kit and such on it, I still think this could apply to any Silverado.

 

Truck: 2003 Silverado 1500

 

So on to the problem. It seems that when my front wheels are cranked in one direction or the other, I lose pressure in my brake pedal. It is especially prevalent when I pull into a parking spot. I turn hard left (or right) into the spot and when I go to press the brake pedal, it loses most pressure and I have to press it a lot further than normal.

 

I cannot seem to locate any leaking fluid, and the master cylinder fluid level is not dropping. Any ideas? I have aftermarket rotors but the calipers are stock. Maybe the fluid compound is worn out and just needs to be flushed?

 

Thanks for any help in advance,

Blake

 

Blake,

Do you have vacuum assisted power brakes or the system that uses fluid lines from the power steering pump? I don't know what the P/S based system is called but I have it on my '02. I've noticed the same issue at the same conditions you mentioned. It just seems like the pedal wants to flop all the way to the floor sometimes? If I pump it once the travel and resistance seem to return to normal. I don't have an exact cause for you but I asked two techs at the shop I use and one told me not to worry it was normal for that system (and that it was not actually going to go to the floor and fail). The other said to bring it in for a look but didn't think it was actually failing, he'd heard of it happening on our trucks as well. If you do find out it's something else and it's really in danger of failing, please post and explain. I worry about it every time it happens.

[CoffeyLover]

Hey guys, I have what I think is a basic question although I am not sure what specifics I would need to provide, so tell me if you need details. Although my truck has a long travel kit and such on it, I still think this could apply to any Silverado.

 

Truck: 2003 Silverado 1500

 

So on to the problem. It seems that when my front wheels are cranked in one direction or the other, I lose pressure in my brake pedal. It is especially prevalent when I pull into a parking spot. I turn hard left (or right) into the spot and when I go to press the brake pedal, it loses most pressure and I have to press it a lot further than normal.

 

I cannot seem to locate any leaking fluid, and the master cylinder fluid level is not dropping. Any ideas? I have aftermarket rotors but the calipers are stock. Maybe the fluid compound is worn out and just needs to be flushed?

 

Thanks for any help in advance,

Blake

 

Blake,

Do you have vacuum assisted power brakes or the system that uses fluid lines from the power steering pump? I don't know what the P/S based system is called but I have it on my '02. I've noticed the same issue at the same conditions you mentioned. It just seems like the pedal wants to flop all the way to the floor sometimes? If I pump it once the travel and resistance seem to return to normal. I don't have an exact cause for you but I asked two techs at the shop I use and one told me not to worry it was normal for that system (and that it was not actually going to go to the floor and fail). The other said to bring it in for a look but didn't think it was actually failing, he'd heard of it happening on our trucks as well. If you do find out it's something else and it's really in danger of failing, please post and explain. I worry about it every time it happens.

 

 

I have vaccuum assisted brakes on my truck, so I wouldn't know about your problem. When I find out what is was I will let you know!

 

Its not possible its the abs kicking on is it? I had that problem with my 99 and I know a couple of guys who had the same problem on GMT 800s. I noticed it the most when turn into parking spaces. But I could feel the abs bucking and engaging too early keeping the brakes from working. I don't know if that helps with your problem. Sorry

 

 

I took the ABS off of my truck so not possible :/ Thanks for the info though!

 

I think you will find you have a bad wheel bearing. If the bearing is loose, it will allow the wheel to "wobble" in relation to the hub and caliper. This will make the rotor push the brake pad back into the caliper, and when you brake, the pad has to be pushed back out. Jack the truck up, and grab the tire at the top and bottom, push/pull the tire looking for play. You will want to also check all the fasteners you touched when installing the rotors.

 

That actually makes sense, because I do have to rebuild on the the front hubs. I'll get to it and report back. Thanks!

 

[badsierra99]

I got a question about front brakes. Here's the scenario few weeks ago I replaced the pads on my truck, and just to clear this up my abs quit working. Anyways before I replaced the pads I had a bad grinding noise from the front when driving and gets worse when turning.

 

I'm thinking it's the rotors but I could be wrong.

Any ideas

Vortec 350, cold air intake, 1.5" lift, all the rest stock.