How to Troubleshoot Brakes on a 1997 Chevy Tahoe

Brake problems can cause numerous safety hazards in your 1997 Chevy Tahoe. If the SUV pulls to one side, it can easily collide with another vehicle or obstacle. This is also true for a vehicle that is hard to stop. Not only can brake problems cause accidents, but the impact on your wallet can be costly as well. Know what to look for to keep your Tahoe safely on the road.

Instructions

Vehicle Pulls to One Side While Braking

1

Inspect the brake pads. Use a jack to raise the Tahoe then place jack stands underneath the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts with a tire tool then remove the tires. Look through the window on the brake caliper to check the pad thickness. Replace the brake pad if the thickness is 1/8-inch or less.

2

Tighten any loose or disconnected front suspension components with a socket and ratchet.

3

Remove the brake caliper. Clean the caliper with brake system cleaner. If the piston on the caliper is sticking out, then replace or overhaul the caliper.

4

Adjust the brake pad. Inspect the rotor for grooves. Adjust the wheel bearings.

High-pitched Squeals

5

Inspect the brake pads. With the Tahoe raised on jack stands, look through the window on the brake caliper to check the pad thickness. Replace the brake pad if the thickness is 1/8-inch or less.

6

Replace the brake pads if they show signs of glazing.

7

Inspect the rotor for dirt and grooves.

Excessive Brake Pedal Travel

8

Inspect the brake pads for excessive wear. Inspect the caliper for a stuck piston. Check for leaks or damage around the brake hose connections. Inspect the rotor for dirt or damage.

9

Open the brake fluid container under the hood. Add brake fluid if necessary.

10

Bleed the brake system. Start with the right rear brake. Loosen the bleeder screw slightly with a wrench. Place one end of a 3/16-inch plastic tube over the screw and place the other end in a plastic container. Have an assistant pump the brakes a few times to produce pressure in the system then hold the pedal firmly down. Open the bleeder screw with a wrench enough to allow fluid to flow out. Watch for air bubbles to exit. After the flow slows down, tighten the screw. Have the assistant release the brake pedal. Repeat this process on the remaining brakes.

11

Adjust the brake. Remove the brake pads. Push the caliper piston further out with a screwdriver. Install the brake pads.

12

Replace the proportioning valve then bleed the brake system. The proportioning valve limits and controls pressure to the rear wheels, when braking, to keep the rear wheels from locking up during heavy braking.

Spongy Brake Pedal

13

Bleed the brake system to get rid of air in the system.

14

Inspect the brake hoses and lines for cracks and leaks. Replace the parts as needed.

15

Tighten the master cylinder mounting bolts with a socket and ratchet.

16

Replace the master cylinder. Bleed the brake system.

17

Adjust the brake pads. Remove the brake pads. Push the caliper piston further out with a screwdriver. Install the brake pads.

18

Replace the check valve. Bleed the brake system.

Stopping Requires Excessive Effort

19

Replace the power brake booster. Bleed the brake system.

20

Inspect the brake pads for wear. Replace the brake pads if oil or grease is on them.

21

Examine the piston on the brake caliper. Rebuild or replace the brake caliper if the piston is stuck.

22

Replace the master cylinder.

Pedal Travels to the Floor

23

Add brake fluid to the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment.

24

Check the brake hoses for leaks and damage. Replace any damaged hoses.

25

Inspect the brake lines for leaks or damage. Replace any damaged hoses.

Brake Pedal Pulsates

26

Remove and rebuild, or replace, the brake caliper.

27

Replace the wheel bearings.

28

Inspect the rotors. Take the rotors to a machine shop to be repaired if grooves are present.

29

Remove the brake drums. Take the drums to an automotive repair shop to be restored or replaced.

Dragging Brakes

30

Remove and clean the master cylinder. Remove and replace the brake caliper.

31

Inspect the brake pads. Replace them if necessary.

32

Examine the rotor for grooves. Remove the rotor and have it serviced if damage is present.

33

Check the parking brake to make sure the brake is not engaged.

34

Replace the brake lines if they are clogged.

35

Adjust the wheel bearings. Adjust the brake pedal height. Adjust the brake pads.

36

Replace the wheel cylinder, a part of the drum brake system. The wheel cylinder places pressure on the brake shoes. The shoes then come into contact with the drum and stop the vehicle through friction.