GP Brake Troubleshooting Guide

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Heavychevy79

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Elliott
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1979
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I have a 79 chevrolet k10
A couple days ago I was hauling furniture and right when I started the truck my rmakes went to the floor I slammed it back to park cause I was going dow an incline luckily o was not going that fast.
Just looking for some help
 

89Suburban

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I have a 79 chevrolet k10
A couple days ago I was hauling furniture and right when I started the truck my rmakes went to the floor I slammed it back to park cause I was going dow an incline luckily o was not going that fast.
Just looking for some help

Holy ****, don't you ahve an emergeny brake? Snap the parking pin you will. You'll have to obviously climb around under there and look for wet spots on the braking system.
 

89Suburban

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Here is some reference pics for the front 4WD brake line frame mount area someone asked me for, sorry for the ****** rust making the pictures bad. My poor cancered Burb, I am so f'd if I have to work on these brake lines.... :( :(

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firebane

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Since partial of the document is listed in this thread I figured I'd post another good part of it.

I recently had to take my master cylinder and brake booster off and when I was under the dash I noticed there was some adjustment to the brake pedal rod to the brake booster. I was curious about this and sure enough there is an adjustment that can be made here to ensure brakes are being applied properly. The following link shows the tool AND the other means of checking your push rod length to master cylinder to ensure proper engagement.

http://www.classicperform.com/TechBook/BrakeTroubleshoot.htm#pushrod

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TheGolem

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1987
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V10 Suburban silverado
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350 TBI
I NEED HELP. I keep having an occasional, yet strange issue with my brakes that's hard to describe. Sometimes when Iam on my way to a complete stop, as the truck slows down, I get this contentious clunk that is felt throughout the vehicle as if I ran over a rock or bump ect. Then when I let off the brakes after this happening; I get that same clunk for the first 2-4 mph. The clunk then transforms into a clicking noise that gets faster as the wheels spin faster. It's very similar to the sound you get when somethings stuck in the spokes of a bike. From what I can tell; this is all comming from the front end, and it does not happen often. My brakes work fine, so I'm completely lost. Havnt jacked the truck up yet, cuz I don't know what to look for:shrug: I've never experienced anything like it. Any ideas???
 

chengny

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If you're confident that the brakes are not causing the issue, the sound may be coming from something in the front wheel drive train. Does there seem to be any connection between the noise and 4WD operation.

What kind of hubs do you have? I think they're probably the automatic type. Make sure the hubs are freeing up as designed.

Check the u-joints associated with the front wheel drive. There are 4 total - one at the end of each axle and the two on the drive shaft.

I know you don't think it's the brakes, but make sure that the calipers are securely bolted to the caliper plates.

Do a good inspection of all front end suspension and steering components. Even though the noise is rhythmic - which would suggest a rotating assembly interference - that might be a symptom rather than the cause. Something in the steering or suspension may be loose/worn/shifting and impacting a rotating part.

Sorry, I know this hasn't been much help, but noises are extremely difficult to diagnose over the internet - especially ones of an intermittent nature. So, unfortunately, it looks like you might be spending some time on your back under the truck.

One suggestion that might actually help; you posted this in the sticky threads area of brakes section. That is kind of "off the beaten path".

You might get more response if you repost to the main body of "Brakes". Also, since you are unconvinced that it is even brake related, try posting down in one of the drivetrain related categories - like "Differential and Driveline".

Finally, here is an exploded view (and parts list) of the front wheel drive and front brake systems that should be applicable to your vehicle (1987 V1)


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TheGolem

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350 TBI
If you're confident that the brakes are not causing the issue, the sound may be coming from something in the front wheel drive train. Does there seem to be any connection between the noise and 4WD operation.

What kind of hubs do you have? I think they're probably the automatic type. Make sure the hubs are freeing up as designed.

Check the u-joints associated with the front wheel drive. There are 4 total - one at the end of each axle and the two on the drive shaft.

I know you don't think it's the brakes, but make sure that the calipers are securely bolted to the caliper plates.

Do a good inspection of all front end suspension and steering components. Even though the noise is rhythmic - which would suggest a rotating assembly interference - that might be a symptom rather than the cause. Something in the steering or suspension may be loose/worn/shifting and impacting a rotating part.

Sorry, I know this hasn't been much help, but noises are extremely difficult to diagnose over the internet - especially ones of an intermittent nature. So, unfortunately, it looks like you might be spending some time on your back under the truck.

One suggestion that might actually help; you posted this in the sticky threads area of brakes section. That is kind of "off the beaten path".

You might get more response if you repost to the main body of "Brakes". Also, since you are unconvinced that it is even brake related, try posting down in one of the drivetrain related categories - like "Differential and Driveline".

Finally, here is an exploded view (and parts list) of the front wheel drive and front brake systems that should be applicable to your vehicle (1987 V1)


You must be registered for see images attach
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That's actually a lot of useful info, thanks. I'll jack it up and crawl under it this weekend sometime. I do have the automatic locking hubs, but I havnt used 4x4 since I've owned the truck, and it's been about a month now. How do you make sure they're free? The manual says to put it in 4x2 then reverse for a few meters... Idk how many, but I backed all the way down my driveway just to make sure they were unlocked incase the PO neglected to do so. Also, I'm not so convinced that the noise is in related to the brakes, cuz the noise only surfaces following the application of the brakes. This is what stumps me the most, as the brakes work fine (no pulling to one side to suggest a seized caliper, nor is the pedal spongey). I checked the brake fluid, and it's extremely dark (like motor oil) so that needs to be flushed. I will do a thorough inspection of other front end components though.
 

TheGolem

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Texas
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David
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1987
Truck Model
V10 Suburban silverado
Engine Size
350 TBI
If you're confident that the brakes are not causing the issue, the sound may be coming from something in the front wheel drive train. Does there seem to be any connection between the noise and 4WD operation.

What kind of hubs do you have? I think they're probably the automatic type. Make sure the hubs are freeing up as designed.

Check the u-joints associated with the front wheel drive. There are 4 total - one at the end of each axle and the two on the drive shaft.

I know you don't think it's the brakes, but make sure that the calipers are securely bolted to the caliper plates.

Do a good inspection of all front end suspension and steering components. Even though the noise is rhythmic - which would suggest a rotating assembly interference - that might be a symptom rather than the cause. Something in the steering or suspension may be loose/worn/shifting and impacting a rotating part.

Sorry, I know this hasn't been much help, but noises are extremely difficult to diagnose over the internet - especially ones of an intermittent nature. So, unfortunately, it looks like you might be spending some time on your back under the truck.

One suggestion that might actually help; you posted this in the sticky threads area of brakes section. That is kind of "off the beaten path".

You might get more response if you repost to the main body of "Brakes". Also, since you are unconvinced that it is even brake related, try posting down in one of the drivetrain related categories - like "Differential and Driveline".

Finally, here is an exploded view (and parts list) of the front wheel drive and front brake systems that should be applicable to your vehicle (1987 V1)


You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach

THANKS MAN!! I did some experimenting going in/out of 4x4, and found that it was happening more frequently when the hubs attempt to disengage, but never heard a thing while 4hi was engaged. Switched that bad boy over to manual hubs, and the problem went away:)
 

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