Brake Problems- No one knows :(

[RC_Racer]

Alrighty, I'm new to this board, site and such and I'm actually at the end of the line. My 1995 Bonneville, was purchased with brake problems, and i've invested 500 bucks into them and the same problem keeps occuring.

Problem 1:
I often lose brake pressure, meaning the brakes will suddenly give out and go to completely to the floor, or midway, and pressure will not build up.

Problem 2: While driving, at random times the wheels will lock up, the only way to notice is a sudden drop in speed while driving. The brakes get stuck in and its impossible to push down to stop. If I continue to drive, to a safe area to pull over or to my home, smoke pours out, the wheels get red hot, and The rorters have actually caught on fire ;/

--------------
When my brakes first lost pressure, I went to the local mechanic and got a new master cylinder. All was fine for a while until Problem2 came up. The mechanic tried several things but the problem kept reoccuring. MY ABS light was on so I had ended up replacing a wheel sensor, front passenger side. After replacing it, the problem went away. Soon however, Problem 1 reocurred a month later, with no pressure at all in my brakes. I ended replacing the master cylinder, and the problem was solved. however, a week after, problem2, the wheel locking up, occured again. This time it was in the front driver side. I took it in to MIDAS, being tired of the same Backyard Mechanic assuming what the problem was. Midas had no idea what the problem was, but assumed I needed new Caliper and Rorter in the driver side.

After replacing the Caliper and Rorter on teh driver side, front, everything seemed fine, but the next day, problem2 reared its ugly head, though this time, with the passenger side. I thought perhaps replacing calipers and rorters on the passenger side would fix it, but Midas and my local Mechanic both agree that would have nothing to do with it.

Ty for listening to my problem and perhaps any suggestions people can make would help greatly.

R-C_Racer - Signing Out

[trsmith]

In the long run you'll spend more money on local mechanics and franchises such as Midas or Pep Boys than if you had taken the car to a GM dealer who employ trained and certified GM mechanics. I realize the temptation to get off cheap is tempting, but when dealing with a major issue such as your brakes leave it the real pros.

[tman]

I agree.

[Flatrater]

Originally posted by trsmith
In the long run you'll spend more money on local mechanics and franchises such as Midas or Pep Boys than if you had taken the car to a GM dealer who employ trained and certified GM mechanics. I realize the temptation to get off cheap is tempting, but when dealing with a major issue such as your brakes leave it the real pros.

Thank you for that! Your a man after my own heart!

[mattcp67]

Dealerships will seem to be more expensive -- but in the long run they will save you time and money. I took this from MSN Carpoint for your model year in the used car reliability rating area.

Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) Pressure Modulator Valve (PMV) and the ABS Relay.The cost to repair the ABS PMV is estimated at $474.00 for parts and $117.00 for labor.The cost to repair the ABS Relay is estimated at $12.00 for parts and $26.00 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

[Flatrater]

Take me for example in the amount of training I have!!

I am a master ASE tech
I have me L1 cert

And here is a list of my GM training!! Who would you want fixing your car?? This is not to blow my own horn but to show you what we have to do to keep current!!

ASEBOD05 BODY: MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
ASEAUTL1 AUTO: ADVANCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST
ASEAUT04 AUTO: SUSPENSION & STEERING
ASEAUT05 AUTO: BRAKES
ASEAUT06 AUTO: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
ASEAUT07 AUTO: HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
ASEAUT02 AUTO: AUTOMATIC TRANS/TRANSAXLE
ASEAUT03 AUTO: MANUAL DRIVETRAIN & AXLES
ASEAUT01 AUTO: ENGINE REPAIR
ASEAUT08 AUTO: ENGINE PERFORMANCE


Course__________Title
11044.00W-R2 Introduction to Air Conditioning
17041.30W 4T80-E Automatic Transaxle
10270.02D SKH Seminar Feb. 2003 Emerging Issues
17340.12D Allison LCT 1000 Automatic Transmission Diagnostic Issues and Procedures
17041.32W 4T65-E Automatic Transaxle
17041.27W 4L60-E Automatic Transmission
17041.29W 4L80-E Automatic Transmission
17041.30W 4T80-E Automatic Transaxle
10270.05D SKH Seminar May 2003 Emerging Issues
16045.21D Diesel Engine Performance 2001
17340.12D Allison LCT 1000 Automatic Transmission Diagnostic Issues and Procedures
11045.10H Advanced HVAC Systems Diagnostics
10270.04D SKH Seminar Apr. 2003 Emerging Issues
10270.03D SKH Seminar Mar. 2003 Emerging Issues
16044.11D1 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 1
16044.11D2 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 2
16044.11D3 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 3
16044.11H GM Powertrain Performance
16044.09D GM Powertrain Performance Complementary Course
16044.11W1 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 1
16044.11W2 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 2
16044.11W3 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 3
10250.25D 2.2L L61 Engine Technology Close-Up Seminar
10250.21D Oldsmobile/ Buick New Model Features - April 2001
16043.50D Engine Mechanical Diagnosis & Measurement
10270.01D SKH Seminar Jan. 2003 Emerging Issues
16043.45D Engine Mechanical Diagnosis and Measurement
16043.50W Engine Mechanical Diagnosis & Measurement
22043.25W Structural Damage Analysis and Correction
10270.01D SKH Seminar Jan. 2003 Emerging Issues
16040.02W-R2 OBD II
15040.01V Brake Pulsation Due to Lateral Runout
16340.16V Duramax 6600 Update: Service Issues
16040.02T1 OBD II TECHAssist
22048.30H GM Supplemental Restraint System
14043.11W Four Wheel Drive Systems
14041.10W-R2 Rear Axle and Propeller Shaft
19040.20D1 OnStar® Gen 2,3 & 4 Diagnosis and Repair
10250.17D Oct. 2001 Technology Close-Up Service Know-How Seminar - OnStar
19040.20D2 OnStar® Gen 2,3 & 4 Diagnosis and Repair
15045.10W-R2 Foundation Brakes/ABS Systems Service
10041.00W SI Overview
17340.11V Allison LCT 1000 Automatic Transmission Part 2: Diagnosis, Removal & Installation
17340.10V Allison LCT 1000 Automatic Transmission Part 1: Overview & Operation
14040.01V AWD/4WD Diagnosis
010864011 Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) Replace Power Window Motor
16340.30D 4200 Camshaft Position Actuator System Operation & Diagnosis
22048.30W GM Supplemental Restraint Systems
19047.03W3 Entertainment Systems
11045.05V ACR 2000 Familiarization
16041.01W-R2 Battery, Charging, & Starting
19040.01V OnStar VS-P and VS-3B Communication Systems Diagnosis and Repair
98083.01 Electrical Principles and Diagnostics (GMICT/Med. Duty)
96088.15 Tech 2 (GMICT/Med. Duty)
16043.50H Engine Mechanical Diagnosis & Measurement
13044.10H Electronic Suspension Systems
19040.01V OnStar VS-P and VS-3B Communication Systems Diagnosis and Repair
16040.10V Engine Performance Issues
17041.26W 4T40-E Automatic Transaxle
17043.20W NV 4500 Manual Transmission
13041.20D Rear Wheel Steering (Quadrasteer)
13044.10W Electronic Suspension Systems
18044.16W Body Control Systems
10240.20V F-Car Service Issues
10240.20V F-Car Service Issues
18043.01W-R2 Electrical/Electronics Stage 1
18043.02W-R2 Electrical/Electronics Stage 2
18043.03W-R2 Electrical/Electronics Stage 3
18044.16H Body Control Systems
15045.20W Bosch Series 5 ABS/TCS
17043.10W NV 3500 Manual Transmission
18043.16W Body Controller
15045.30W 4WAL ABS
15045.40W Delphi Chassis Series VI and DBC 7 ABS/TCS
17040.10V TCC Diagnostic Tips
13041.10W Steering Service
13041.10W Steering Service
10040.00W SI 2000 Overview
22048.22W GM Air Bag Systems
19047.06W Security Systems
19047.03W1 Entertainment Systems
19047.03W2 Entertainment Systems
16240.30W 1997 - 2002 Bi Fuel Vehicles: Mixer-Based Fuel Systems
16045.21W Diesel Engine Performance 2001
11045.10W Advanced HVAC System Diagnosis
19047.03W2 Entertainment Systems
16340.20V 4200 Engine Familiarization
12340.10V Dual Stage Air Bag System
14340.10V Versatrak All-Wheel Drive System
10250.12D Emerging Issues Seminar - Dec. 2001
16040.02W OBD II
10250.01D Emerging Issues Service Know-How Seminar - January
10250.13D Technology Close-Up Service Know-How Seminar - January 2001
16046.10W 6.5 L Diesel Engine
12040.10V Wind Noise and Water Leak Concerns
10342.03V 2001 Pontiac New Model Features
16340.10V Duramax 6600 Diesel Engine
17340.20V ZF 6 Speed Manual Transmission: Introduction & Exchange
17040.01V Hydra-Matic 4L60-E Transmission DTC P1870 Diagnosis
10340.01V 2001 Chevrolet/GMC Truck New Model Features
18044.16D2 Body Control Systems - Part 2
18044.16D1 Body Control Systems - Part 1
13041.10W Steering Service
11044.00D1 Introduction to Air Conditioning - Part 1
17041.20W Automatic Transmission Diagnostics
16048.15W Tech 2 Familiarization
15045.20W Bosch Series 5 ABS/TCS
16040.02W OBD II
22048.22W GM Air Bag Systems
22048.22H GM Air Bag Systems
22249.50W Waterleak & Windnoise Repair
22249.50H Waterleak & Windnoise Repair
15045.40W Delphi Chassis Series VI and DBC 7 ABS/TCS
16045.20H Diesel Engine Performance
13042.10D1 Vibration Correction - Part 1
13042.10D2 Vibration Correction - Part 2
13042.10W Vibration Correction
13042.10H Vibration Correction
14041.10D1 Rear Axle & Propeller Shaft - Part 1
14041.10D2 Rear Axle & Propeller Shaft - Part 2
14041.10H Rear Axle & Propeller Shaft
14043.10W AWD & 4WD & Auto 4WD
15045.10D1 Foundation Brakes/ABS System Service - Part 1
15045.10D2 Foundation Brakes/ABS System Service - Part 2
15045.10H Foundation Brakes/ABS System Service
15045.10W Foundation Brakes/ABS System Service
11044.00D2 Introduction to Air Conditioning - Part 2
14041.10W Rear Axle & Propeller Shaft
11044.00W Introduction to Air Conditioning
16043.40W Engine Mechanical Diagnosis/Measurement
19047.03H Entertainment Systems
19047.06W Security Systems
19047.03W1 Entertainment Systems
11044.00W Introduction to Air Conditioning
14041.10W Rear Axle & Propeller Shaft
16048.15W Tech 2 Familiarization
15045.10W Foundation Brakes/ABS System Service
13042.10W Vibration Correction
13241.20V Silverado/Sierra Vibration and Launch Shudder Correction
12241.20V G-Van Sliding Door Repair
19040.10D1 OnStar Diagnosis and Repair Part 1
13043.10H Chassis Electronics 86969
16240.25B Bi Fuel Vehicle (G-Van)
16044.10W2 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 2
16044.10W1 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 1
16044.10W3 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 3
16041.01W Battery, Charging, & Starting
19040.10D2 OnStar Diagnosis and Repair Part 2
19040.10D1 OnStar Diagnosis and Repair Part 1
16044.10D3 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 3
16044.10W3 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 3
16044.10W2 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 2
16043.40H Engine Mechanical Diagnosis/Measurement
16043.40D1 Engine Mechanical Diagnosis/Measurement - Part 1
16043.40D2 Engine Mechanical Diagnosis/Measurement - Part 2
22048.22D2 GM Air Bag Systems - Part 2
22249.50D Waterleak & Windnoise Repair
15045.20D Bosch Series 5 ABS/TCS
22048.22D1 GM Air Bag Systems - Part 1
18043.01W Electrical/Electronics Stage 1
18043.03W Electrical/Electronics Stage 3
18043.02W Electrical/Electronics Stage 2
16044.10W1 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 1
15045.40D Delphi Chassis Series VI and DBC 7 ABS/TCS 14043.10D AWD & 4WD & Auto 4WD
16044.10D1 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 1
16044.10D2 GM Powertrain Performance - Part 2
16044.10H GM Powertrain Performance
16045.20D2 Diesel Engine Performance - Part 2
16045.20W Diesel Engine Performance
16045.20D1 Diesel Engine Performance - Part 1
18043.03W Electrical/Electronics Stage 3
18043.02W Electrical/Electronics Stage 2
13043.10W Chassis Electronics
19047.03D Entertainment Systems
18043.01W Electrical/Electronics Stage 1
C8003.02 ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS - STAGE TWO COMPUTER BASED TRAINING
C8003.03 ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS - STAGE THREE COMPUTER BASED TRAINING
C7000.00 UNDERSTANDING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
C6018.15 TECH 2 FAMILIARIZATION CBT
C8003.01 ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS - STAGE ONE COMPUTER BASED TRAINING
16013.00 5.7L (LS1) SPECIALIZED ENGINE REPAIR
10344.02BONNEVILLE 2000 NEW MODEL TECHNICAL FEATURES
10344.01 BUICK 2000 NEW MODEL TECHNICAL FEATURES
10342.01 PONTIAC/GMC 2000 NEW MODEL TECHNICAL FEATURES
14001.00 REAR AXLES AND PROPELLER SHAFTS
56009.50 P-CHASSIS POWERTRAIN CONTROLS
55000.01 BASE BRAKE FUNDAMENTALS CPT
10016.00 INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONIC SERVICE INFORMATION (ESI) AND INTEGRATED SERVICE SOFTWARE (ISS)
16009.20 GEN III V8 POWERTRAIN CONTROLS
16018.05 GM DIAGNOSTIC AND INFORMATION TERMINALS
50399.05 1999 PONTIAC NEW MODEL FEATURES VIDEO
55205.06 DELPHI BRAKE CONTROL 7 (DBC7) ABS CPT
56013.02 GENERATION III V8 CAST IRON BLOCK ENGINE MECHANICAL CPT
56013.02 GENERATION III V8 CAST IRON BLOCK ENGINE MECHANICAL CPT
18003.14 INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL CONCERNS DIAGNOSIS
58001.00 U-VAN POWER SLIDING DOOR CPT
50399.07 1999 GMC SIERRA NEW MODEL FEATURES VIDEO
58002.01 DENALI & ESCALADE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) CPT
13003.02 BOSCH 5 SERIES ABS/TCS
15005.12 DELPHI CHASSIS VI ABS/TCS
52002.10 J-CAR CONVERTIBLE TOP WATERLEAK REPAIR CPT
58000.00 HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) LIGHTING SYSTEM
16030.02 ON BOARD DIAGNOSTICS GENERATION II
10299.99 SPECIAL ELECTIVE TRAINING: GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE
50399.00 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM (GMX130) NEW MODEL FEATURES VIDEO
56015.15 OBD II HISTORY & 1996 FEATURES
14003.05 AUTOMATIC FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
56012.01 F-CAR 5.7L (LS1) POWERTRAIN CONTROLS CPT
59407.06 GM SECURITY SYSTEMS CPT
56013.01 5.7L (LS1) GEN III ALUMINUM ENGINE MECHANICAL CPT
56015.15 OBD II HISTORY & 1996 FEATURES
56030.02 1998 OBD II AND FUEL INJECTION
18002.01 TRUCK BODY CONTROL MODULE (TBCM)
59000.00 ONSTAR
13299.99 SPECIAL ELECTIVE TRAINING: STEERING & SUSPENSION
22209.50 WATERLEAK AND WINDNOISE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR
16015.25 6.5L DIESEL OBD II
57017.00 4T40E SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
18001.11 ELECTRONICS STRATEGY BASED DIAGNOSTICS
59407.02 CHEVROLET SECURITY SYSTEMS
11005.25 HVAC SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS
22002.64 F-BODY T-TOPS/CONVERTIBLE
59407.04 PERSONALIZED AUTOMOTIVE SECURITY SYSTEM III
22008.22 GM AIR BAG SYSTEMS
16015.20 6.5L DIESEL EFI/MECHANICAL
50397.23 GMC TRUCK NEW MODEL FEATURES PULSAT TELECAST
50397.22 1997 U-VAN NEW MODEL FEATURES TELECAST
16009.10 GM FUEL INJECTION DIAGNOSIS
15004.50 INTRODUCTION TO ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS)
16018.15 TECH 2 FAMILIARIZATION
57015.00 4T40-E TRANSAXLE
19007.03 GM AUDIO SYSTEMS
11004.00 INTRODUCTION TO A/C
18001.02 SPECIALIZED ELECTRONICS TRAINING
52209.55 WINDSHIELD INSTALLATION CPT
50396.23 GMC TRUCK NEW MODEL FEATURES PULSAT TELECAST
57490.00 HYDRA-MATIC 4T60E ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS
52400.00 AURORA FRAMELESS GLASS
56091.12 ZR1 LT5 ENGINE MECHNICAL
56014.05 4.1 /4.5 /4.9 LITER ENGINE MECHANICAL
14003.04 ALL WHEEL DRIVE/FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEMS
50396.23 GMC TRUCK NEW MODEL FEATURES PULSAT TELECAST
59407.03 PASSLOCK THEFT DETERANT CPT
56002.00 CENTRAL SFI FOR TRUCKS
53092.00 ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN SERVICE & DIAGNOSIS
56015.15 OBD II HISTORY & 1996 FEATURES
56500.01 3100 SFI - BUICK ONLY
16018.10 TECH 1 FAMILIARIZATION
56091.01 4.3 LITER ENGINE MECHANICAL (CPI)
56015.10 ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS GEN II HISTORY & 1995 FEATURES
57490.00 HYDRA-MATIC 4T60E ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS
55205.04 TEVES MARK IV ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
59407.01 PASSKEY 2 SELF DIAGNOSTICS
55205.04 TEVES MARK IV ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
51010.15 134A RETROFIT FOR GM CARS AND TRUCKS
57490.00 HYDRA-MATIC 4T60E ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS
56010.00 SERVICE PROGRAMMING SYSTEM
51010.00 R-134A AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT
55205.05 DELCO MORAINE ABS VI