97 Blazer brake problems
h6294443
12-31-2003, 11:10 AM
My rig: 97 Chevy Blazer 4.3, 4x4
Problem: Almost non-existent brakes
The last two days my area has seen very icy/snowy road conditions, so the ABS was utilized quite a bit.
Yesterday, driving in to work, I noticed that I could push the brake pedal all the way to the floor board, which I hadn't been able to do before.
Then, on my way home, the pedal went to the floor board very very easily, and brakes were just about non-existent. I carefully made it to the next gas station (30 miles) and checked fluid level in the master cylinder. It was pretty low, at the bottom end of the gage, but there still was fluid in the cylinder.
So, I filled up, an drove off. The brakes are still very problematic. Repeated pumping will now at least make the brakes stronger.
I suspect that while the fluid level was low, air entered the system, which is what I am dealing with now. Am I correct?
So, I assume I would have to bleed the brakes. I'd bring it a shop, but everybody in town is booked through the weekend.
Any suggestions on a relatively pain-less brake bleed job? What about bleeding the ABS proportioning valve?
Most importantly, where did all the fluid go? Could all that ABS-ing have caused pressure spikes in the brake system and leaked fluid?
Thanks.
Matt
Problem: Almost non-existent brakes
The last two days my area has seen very icy/snowy road conditions, so the ABS was utilized quite a bit.
Yesterday, driving in to work, I noticed that I could push the brake pedal all the way to the floor board, which I hadn't been able to do before.
Then, on my way home, the pedal went to the floor board very very easily, and brakes were just about non-existent. I carefully made it to the next gas station (30 miles) and checked fluid level in the master cylinder. It was pretty low, at the bottom end of the gage, but there still was fluid in the cylinder.
So, I filled up, an drove off. The brakes are still very problematic. Repeated pumping will now at least make the brakes stronger.
I suspect that while the fluid level was low, air entered the system, which is what I am dealing with now. Am I correct?
So, I assume I would have to bleed the brakes. I'd bring it a shop, but everybody in town is booked through the weekend.
Any suggestions on a relatively pain-less brake bleed job? What about bleeding the ABS proportioning valve?
Most importantly, where did all the fluid go? Could all that ABS-ing have caused pressure spikes in the brake system and leaked fluid?
Thanks.
Matt
GMMerlin
12-31-2003, 04:30 PM
First is to check your brakes and brake system for wear (pads and shoes) and for signs of leakage..
Brake fluid doesn't magicaly disappear..it has to go somewhere..
As far as bleeding the brakes, you will need some special tools to bleed the BPMV for the ABS..
Brake fluid doesn't magicaly disappear..it has to go somewhere..
As far as bleeding the brakes, you will need some special tools to bleed the BPMV for the ABS..
h6294443
12-31-2003, 05:43 PM
The shop manual (Chilton) says I need special tools for 94 - 96 models. After that, strangely enough, it doesn't say I need to bleed those modules at all. Just master cylinder/wheel cylinders.
Is that right?
Is that right?
ofcmlong
12-31-2003, 11:47 PM
You can go to a chain automotive store and purchase a self brake bleeder. I used mine once and it worked really well. I think it was around 15.
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