Brake system

dtillotson1 · October 30, 2018

Good afternoon-

i have a 2015 Chevy Silverado 5.3 liter. It currently has 38K but at the time of my initial complaint I was under 33k and well within factory warranty. On July 11 I took my Chevy into Good Chevrolet in Renton Washington. The complaint was when I was driving it in the garage that morning my brakes all but went out. I lost my braking power and I had to press extremely hard just for the vehicle to ease to a stop almost hitting the concrete column in the garage. I back my truck up and also had next to no braking power. I checked the fluid and it was perfect. I turned the vehicle off and on and afterwards the braking build back enough pressure and seemed normal.

Extemely terrified I called Good Chevrolet and they asked if I can either drive it in or have it towed. I told them I should be able to manage to drive it in and if it doesn’t brake I’ll tow. I got the vehicle to them and checked in to the service garage. I explained what happened to the tech and service manager. After about 5-6 hours and some test drives later they couldn’t find anything wrong and gave the truck a clean bill of health. I paid and picked up the truck.

Fast forwarding to recently. Last Thursday I was backing into a parking spot at the airport, leaving town for the weekend. As I was backing up the truck did the same exact thing but in reverse and almost backed into the vehicle parked behind me as a result of the extremely difficult braking, pedal pressed all the way and not stopping. There was nothing I could of done at the point but park. I had a flight to catch. When I returned last night it did the same thing again as I pulled out of the parking lot and also pulled into my house. Really low speeds at that. This morning as I pulled into my parking garage the brakes went out again. I turned around and drive the vehicle stiright to Good Chevrolet. I called in route to warn them and they said just as long as you get it here within the next hour we can look at it. I proceeded to Good Chevrolet. The second I pulled in the mechanic who worked on the truck intilally was present. I told him the is happening now at this moment. I got out and he hoped in. The pedal was completely pressed down. He said it sounds like the brake vacuum assist pump is failing but needs to pull in the bay to verify. The lady at the check in counter took over. She told me I’m outside my warranty period now and will have to pay for this to be repaired. I replied well no it shouldn’t be since this is the same issue I came in on in July and you guys couldn’t figure out what was wrong. We argued round and round but there was nothing she could to. She had her marching orders handed down my Chevrolet warranty perimeters. Although I feel like I shouldn’t have to pay I’m going to take the vehicle to another garage since I feel it’s unsfafe.

I just curius now reading all the other blogs of what sounds like a systemic issue with GM or Chevrolet 1500 series pickups is there any recalls? I’ve read quite a few post about this same issue.

Brianibew · October 30, 2018

Do you have any paperwork/records from the original time you brought it in? If not, your probably SOL. As a last ditch effort, call GM customer service and tell them your story. If they won’t warranty it, GM customer care may be able to knock something off the repair bill.

catpartsman · October 31, 2018

This is why I keep all paperwork. Even if they can’t find the cause of the issue, I have paperwork stating the issue it was brought in for.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

300 Blackout · October 31, 2018

Convert to an electric vacuum pump for $350 and don’t worry about it again.

Or

If you choose to replace the mechanical vacuum pump and you’re handy, it’s really not hard to do. Four bolts and a couple hours. Part costs $150.