Brake Concern

[tone357]

I upgraded to the 2500 hd from a 93 Suburban. The brakes on the Sub were phenomenal when it came to stopping my boat. I had to emergency stop one day pulling the boat and, let's just say that the stopping power on the HD was less than impressive. Anyone else not impressed with the braking power of these machines? Or is there something I can do to increase the capability?

[merlin5577]

I would check the brake pads to make sure you have ample pad material left.

[davzog]

I would suggest that there is an issue somewhere....my 07 Classic HD 2500 has great brakes.....I recently hauled a ton of wood pellets in the bed and had absolutely no issues braking. My last 3/4 ton also stopped very well.

 

Even if the pads are good and thick, it might be that the previous owner installed cheap pads... dunno

[98silvz71]

How many miles are on the truck and what year? If you have a few miles on the clock and its been put through her paces than I would guess something like a vacuum leak or a bad master cylinder. The vacuum leak is easy to check. Put a gauge on the hose that comes from the engine to the brake booster. And check it with the engine running. I'm not sure of the pressure you will want to see but the higher the better. If you can see you have good enough pressure than it might be that the master cylinder is the culprit. If one is bad you can see pretty poor spongy braking. I had a bad on on my 98 Silverado and was getting around to replacing it, but I sold it first. And quite possibly could be bad pads or old brake fluid.

 

This is the exact reason why I am glad I have my diesel and an engine driven pump. Good luck.

[GMAnimal]

You can improve the braking performance with quality ceramic pads. I'd bet (like somebody else mentioned) somebody went cheap on the last set of pads, or they are worn out or glazed.