94 S-10 Brakes

[scotts96gt]

I just recently started having a problem with both front brakes on my S-10. They lock up at slow speeds when coming to a complete stop with the pedal barely depressed half way. I can deal with it right now as long as i dont have to stop suddenly but once winter comes this problem will become a nightmare for me to try to drive. I have checked both front rotors and pads and everything seems to look good (plenty of meat on the pads still, and no scoring or warping of rotors). I also pushed the piston back into the caliper and it slid in with ease. Any suggestions? New calipers?

[old_master]

Might be a problem with the flex lines being restricted that go to the calipers, or a metering problem in the master cylinder, or a problem in the power brake booster. You can confirm the booster as a possible problem by removing the vacuum line to it and plug the line. Then drive it, the pedal will require more effort to stop the vehicle, but you should be able to tell if the wheels lock up or not. Unfortunately, the only 100% fix on the lines or master is to replace them.

[scotts96gt]

So if the booster is bad the wheels wont lock up with the vac line plugged? The flex lines are shoddy at best and probably need replacing, the rubber is cracked and separating from the braided part. It seemed like originally the drivers side was the only one doing it but now both front wheels lock and boy do i slide.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by scotts96gt

So if the booster is bad the wheels wont lock up with the vac line plugged? The flex lines are shoddy at best and probably need replacing, the rubber is cracked and separating from the braided part. It seemed like originally the drivers side was the only one doing it but now both front wheels lock and boy do i slide.

this is also what happens when the front brakes do ALL the braking. since I have this vehicle in my fleet the rear drums and shoes need replacing. look at the rear shoes worn only at the top if so replace these parts I mentioned . also use the park brake a few times to get the self adjusters set ..

the calipers in the front you replace in pairs only. this is true as the older the vehicle is the more it is required for safe braking.

[scotts96gt]

Okay, Check brake booster and rear brakes. Still not sure whats supposed to happen with the car when the brake booster vac line is plugged. I have a set of new rear shoes and drums so i guess i will start there

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by scotts96gt

Okay, Check brake booster and rear brakes. Still not sure whats supposed to happen with the car when the brake booster vac line is plugged. I have a set of new rear shoes and drums so i guess i will start there

the brake booster when bad causes a very hard brake pedal . the vacuum is what creates the power in power brakes . no vacuum no power brake ...

brake cylinder when bad causes pedal to thwe floor no braking....


all the brakes must be working correctly or this will cause braking effort failure... your condition is common when the rear shoes/drums are worn or if new not correctly adjusted...


as long as you have no leaks and the brake pedal is working correctly this is most likely whats going on here...

with all the brakes inspected adjusted if then this is still occuring then that may mean other items to replace..1994 is old these brake parts dont last forever..

[old_master]

Originally Posted by scotts96gt

So if the booster is bad the wheels wont lock up with the vac line plugged?

When the vacuum is disconnected, pedal effort increases, but it also forces the components inside the booster to operate by pedal pressure alone, without influence/assistance from vacuum. It gives you a more accurate "feel" when you apply pressure to the pedal. If they still lock up, it's probably NOT the booster.

[scotts96gt]

Replaced rear shoes and drums. Now everything seems to be working like normal. Thanks guys

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by scotts96gt

Replaced rear shoes and drums. Now everything seems to be working like normal. Thanks guys

thanks for the feed back with this ,,as most with rear drums have these type issues [poor brake effort]/;;;;;

never cut a brake drum ....when damaged with minor groves just ignore..when the drum is cut ,,,,,,NOW the radius of the drum does not match the radius of the shoes ..then you only get a small portion of the shoes touching the drum surface..