Brake Problems on '90 C1500

Hey guys,

i know you all have probably seen a million of these "brake problem" posts but please oblige me as I've been doing a good amount of research and can't seem to get this right.

I've got a '90 C1500 that had been sitting for years and had to replace almost the entire braking system to get it road-worthy. Replaced all metal lines, front two rubber lines, front calipers and pads (old pads were 2mm thick and peeling off), and some rear drum hardware. Rear pads seems good. The brakes DO stop the vehicle, but there is lots of brake travel. I've also adjusted the rear drums, they were dragging when I first got the truck. My guess is that the master cylinder is leaking? When you depress the brakes quickly, the fluid in the reservoir gurgles and pops. Is this normal? Could it be a sign of a leaky master cylinder?

[EDIT] Forgot to mention, have bled all four brakes multiple times.

Thanks,

Alex

How does the ebrake feel? Does it go to the floor? Rear brakes need to drag slightly when adjusted properly. If pump the brakes, does it feel like the pedal does not travel as far?

//2000CAYukon

The e-brake does go all the way to the floor. The rear drums do drag slightly; the rear passenger drum was so tight that for servicing and reinstallation it had to be pried off then hammered back on. This is why I adjusted that drum.

When I pump the brakes with the car off, the pedal does get harder, but I can still feel some slight give.

The pedal height is controlled by the rear brakes. I would adjust them a little tighter and see if the pedal height improves.

if the drums are worn out (above max o.d.), you are going to need to replace the drums.

You should have the Kelsey-Hayes RWAL on that truck http://www.aa1car.com/library/abs_kelseyhayes_rwal.htm unless the C1500 is different.

You may need to bleed the Electro Hydraulic valve or it might be bad.

//2000CAYukon

Thanks for the response! The pedal height is fine, but the travel is too much. IT seems as if the rear brakes are almost powerless. The front brakes do eventually stop the car once the pedal is pushed far enough.

Looking at that link, I think the EH valve might be the problem, I'll look into it!

I meant the pedal height as in how high it is when depressed. It will travel lower when the rears are out of adjustment.

//2000CAYukon