brake farts/check engine light 97LT

I have a 97LT I just recently bought with 83k miles on it. I have been noticing a bit of noise coming from the brake pedal area when I apply brake, sounding a bit like a little fart. Brakes also feel a little stiff or weak, and I wonder if my problem is air in the lines. I have also noticed that metalic dark powder on my front wheels like cheap pads flaking.

Also, can anyone tell me about this check engine sensor you are talking about that reads codes? Is it a spendy item and being a real novice mechanic, is it worth my money to purchse?
Appreciate the feedback!!

I have a 97LT I just recently bought with 83k miles on it. I have been noticing a bit of noise coming from the brake pedal area when I apply brake, sounding a bit like a little fart. Brakes also feel a little stiff or weak, and I wonder if my problem is air in the lines. I have also noticed that metalic dark powder on my front wheels like cheap pads flaking.

Also, can anyone tell me about this check engine sensor you are talking about that reads codes? Is it a spendy item and being a real novice mechanic, is it worth my money to purchse?
Appreciate the feedback!!

I have a similar thing with the brakes being to weak. Change them out, and bleed the lines if you want to make sure you got any air out.

As for the "Service Engine Soon" light that comes on, an ODBII code scanner or code reader is a great buy, especially for a novice mechanic. This little device, that looks like a gameboy with a cable attached, connects to a small plug on the bottom left side, near the brake pedal. if you have a code scanner/reader, plugging in this device to that port, and reading the codes, (EACH SCANNER IS DIFFERENT, BUT VERY EASY TO FIGURE OUT, USUALLY THERE IS A BUTTON THAT SAYS READ) will tell you what is the general problem with your car.

For example, say you get the "Service Engine Soon" light come on, and you take it to the mechanic, he's going to say that A-B-C-D-E-F-G is malfunctioning and you need to pay thousands to fix. But, if you have the code scanner, you can find out where the problem is. Let's say you connect the code scanner and get code "P0130 O2 sensor circuit malfunction", all you need to do is switch out the O2 sensor, erase the codes from the car with the code scanner/reader and your problem is fixed. if the light comes back on, reconnect, and find out what the other problem is. It's a great way to save money by buying and installing easy sensors yourself, without getting charged hundreds.

I would also recommend getting a Chilton's Book, or CD-Rom based on your vehicle. This saves you hundreds as well, because it's a step by step guide to installing and removing parts.

I got my code reader for well under $200 a couple years ago. Never regretted it. Since it's just an OBDII reader and not model-specific, you can use it on other cars to help out friends and family.

I've had the chilton before for my 65 chevy truck...good investment. Didnt know there was a CD rom out now. Good to know. Thanks!!!!

I have a 97LT I just recently bought with 83k miles on it. I have been noticing a bit of noise coming from the brake pedal area when I apply brake, sounding a bit like a little fart. Brakes also feel a little stiff or weak, and I wonder if my problem is air in the lines. I have also noticed that metalic dark powder on my front wheels like cheap pads flaking.

Also, can anyone tell me about this check engine sensor you are talking about that reads codes? Is it a spendy item and being a real novice mechanic, is it worth my money to purchse?
Appreciate the feedback!!

The shhhhht noise from the brakes is perfect and completely normal.

Blazer's brake are normally quite stiff seeing you are driving a 2 ton truck. Again, completely normal. Take the cap off the brake fluid resevoir and make sure your fluid is up to level. If the two rubber things are sticking down into the resovoir cups, push them back up into the lid and top up the brake fluid to the appropriate level.

Powder on the front wheels is again perfectly normal and happens with all disc brakes. Just make sure you wash it off regularly so it doesn't eat the clear coat off of your wheels. Next time you replace your brake pads, maybe get a better semi metallic pad but for the love of christ don't get the ceramic. Squeak like a mutha fudda.

Do you hae your check engine light on? If so, don't buy the scanner and take a trip to your local Autozone where they will read your codes for free. Tell us the codes if you have any.

Even if the light is not on, codes maybe still stored so I would still get them scanned for shits and giggles.

I've had the chilton before for my 65 chevy truck...good investment. Didnt know there was a CD rom out now. Good to know. Thanks!!!!

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