Brakes soft

nards444 · May 25, 2021

2021 2500 HD diesel. brakes seem soft or take a lot of effort. Im coming from a half ton but have had diesels before, just seems a lot of effort on brakes. Any others out there? Any TSBs

James Pinto · May 25, 2021

I felt the same. They work but take more effort then most cars I drive, especially new ones. Usually the brakes are really touchy but not in this truck. Took awhile to get used to. Worst part is when I get into a new vehicle that's not mine I end up slamming the brakes the first time.

Billh913 · May 25, 2021

I agree. Seems like I have to smash the brakes to stop even when not pulling a trailer.

nards444 · May 25, 2021

4 minutes ago, Bill Henthorn said:

I agree. Seems like I have to smash the brakes to stop even when not pulling a trailer.

yeah I have been turning on the exhaust brake some. TBH has almost been dangerous a few times already. I wonder if this is a 21 thing or just a 20 thing. Wouldnt be surprised if a TSB or recall came out

Wxman · May 25, 2021

Same with me and the gasser. No trouble getting stopped, just seems like a lot of pedal pressure.

2021 HD · May 26, 2021

My 2010 gasser is the same a lot to get it to stop. When I got my Colorado it was like if I looked at the break peddle I went through the windshield.

GMC4Zee · June 1, 2021

I have some SS front brake lines that I never put on my '16 HD. If they fit my '21, I might try them. That would give better pedal pressure. But I agree with all that it does take some foot power to activate.

kylant · June 1, 2021

my brakes are really good (except for the squeal). don't take excessive pressure at all

nards444 · June 1, 2021

41 minutes ago, GMC4Zee said:

I have some SS front brake lines that I never put on my '16 HD. If they fit my '21, I might try them. That would give better pedal pressure. But I agree with all that it does take some foot power to activate.

I wonder if that would help. I would think it has something to do with the booster.

Grjfer · June 1, 2021

My 18 half ton didn't have the most positive brakes to me. My 21 HD is OK, but does require some effort. DI motors in the half ton trucks have a auxiliary vacuum pump because they don't make enough vacuum during cylinder deactivation. I know the HD series don't have cylinder deactivation but I'm wondering if there is any relationship.

Laidback · June 1, 2021

Mine feel soft.

I run the exhaust brake all the time, it really helps....I love that thing

02ac · June 1, 2021

I believe 2500 and 3500 gm trucks are still using hydroboost assisted brakes. Assist comes from the power steering pump.

Grjfer · June 2, 2021

Just throwing this out there, but after driving the truck for almost a week now I have found that a single pump of the brakes immediately provide a firmer pedal.

crazydog · June 5, 2021

Mine's not a diesel, but I find the same thing. Frightening. I've had to stop tailgating, lol. Sure hope they fix this, not sure I can get used to it.