98 Silv, weak braking

I love everything about my 98 Silverado, except the brakes suck. I've put on 2 new master cylinders, new metallic front pads, new rotors, new rear brake shoes and drums turned, plus I've bled probably two gallons of fluid through the system.

But still, the pedal feels a tad mushy and the brakes are just plain weak. There is just no stopping power. I leave extra distance and drive real careful. My truck can't be the only one like this. I searched and read other posts, but did not see a definitive solution.

Anybody got a solution to get decent braking on this thing?

thanks

I'm assuming that it is a half ton if you are complaining about boor braking? After driving quite a few of these vehicles during my days at the GMC dealer, I can tell you that most of these 1500's are just plain scary during a hard stop. I've towed heavy trailers with them too and it's much worse. The brakes fade so quickly sometimes I was pressing the pedal for all I was worth hoping I wouldn't plow into the stopping car ahead of me.

Poor braking is the main reason that my last three trucks have been 2500's. They stop a ton better. (or at least 3/4 ton better:lol: )

I had forgotten about this. My dad had a 1/2 ton 98 silverado we used to haul tobacco trailors(for one summer only). We hauled two trailers daisy chained behind the truck and each weighed about 4000 to 5000 lbs. I know, a bit much, but we also never got over 35 or the trailers would sway. But yea, braking was scary if it was an emergency. You were fine if you planned ahead for the stop and slowed down waaaay ahead of time. We also never got within like 300 yards of the vehicle in front of us. We soon got a different truck for hauling. Even unloaded, it felt like it took forever and the petal went to the floor. We had it checked out and everything was normal we were told. I think I've heard it was some issue with the antilock brake system that made it so bad, but can't remember for sure.

LOL, well, you guys got the same problem as me, that's for sure. Mine is the 1500 series, as suggested.

These are just the worst brakes I've ever seen in a otherwise terrific vehicle.

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I have an '02 Avalanche, which is basically a 4-door Silverado, and my brakes are a little mushy also. I don't have a fix. I'm going to try new pads, rotors, and bleed the system, but I'm not real confident that will imrove things much. Mine is a 1500 also.