Brakes in new Silverado SOFT

[Chipr777]

I have a brand new 2004 Silverado with 1500 miles. The brakes are starting to feel very soft for some reason. The first thing I thought of is the brake fliud might be leaking but the fluid is fine. Any ideas?

[JayMan]

Hmm, they're starting to get soft, or they were always soft?

 

If you're sure the brake fluid hasn't gone down, try bleeding the brakes. Can't hurt. If you find air, especially in the rear disk brakes, be patient and spend the time to carefully work all the air out.

 

Although the ABS pumps/valves are plumbed inline with the brakes, if you get enough air in the system, it's very hard to get the pedal back just by regular bleeding.

 

You'll have to use a scantool that can communicate with Extended GM Commands. What you'll need to do is press very hard on the brake pedal, then use the scantool to command the truck to do "Automated Bleed Procedure."

 

Note: the Helm shop manual examples assume the use of an OTC Tech2 scantool. The OTC Genisys and Pathfinder have GM-certified software but the menus are different.

 

If the dealer can't/won't do this, you'll have to do it yourself.

 

You could also have a problem with the master cylinder. This can result in total loss of brakes, so please look into this quickly!

[asepgrad98]

go test drive another truck, tell sales weasel that you are thinking of upgrading. It most likely is normal, chevy trucks have soft pedals compared to cars.

[Ben]

Still under warranty, so bring it back and have it documented with service workorder.

 

Since you stated "starting to feel very soft", says they've changed in performance level.

 

Hopefully it's because you've used them very hard and boiled the fluid, which means bubble in the system. Power flush will purge and renew pedal feel/performance.

[k1500chevy97]

I have noticed that over the past few weeks the brakes in my 03 silverado have also gotten soft .

Im thinking of taking it down to the dealer and having them take a look at them