Dugan7
Nationwide
New Member
Joined: 09/28/2008
View Profile
 Offline
|
I have a 1993 C class Chevrolet Travelcraft. In January, we were driving it when suddenly the brakes started seizing and we couldn't go farther. Since that time, we have taken it to a shop FIVE TIMES for the same problem, and spent over 2000 dollars. But the problem persists! Anybody have any idea what to do next -- besides just take it to another mechanic to do some more costly shooting in the dark?
Whenever this happens, the brakes generally will operate again after the vehicle has been sitting for half an hour or so, but until then, it won't budge an inch. Sometimes we can drive months and thousands of miles before it recurs. Sometimes (as in right now) it's only about 10 miles.
So far, we have replaced pads and rotors, calipers, master cylinder, hydro boost, front hoses, and of course the fluid at least a couple of times. What else could possibly be the culprit?? Any insight that anyone could shed would be greatly appreciated.
|
Kamphiker
South Florida (this 'aint paridise anymore)
Senior Member
Joined: 07/09/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
When the brakes seize is it just the front, just the rear, all 4 corners, any single wheel does it change one time from one to another ?
'01 Yukon, 5.3, Z82 Tow Pkg., 3.73 Axle,Wait4Me Performance Custom PCM , 17" Escalade rims - Reese Dual cam - Hi-Lo Classic "Funchaser" Campgrounds in the Smoky Mountains NP
Elkmont Campground Pictures (SMNP)
NEW-> Memories of OLD Miami, Fla. (pictures)
|
Dugan7
Nationwide
New Member
Joined: 09/28/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Just the front. Never the rear.
|
tomousecap
East Moline, IL
Senior Member
Joined: 07/19/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
The Front brake hoses can do that. When the interior lining starts to fail it will block the return flow of the brake fluid and hold your brakes on. To find out simply loosen the lines at the caliper when they are stuck and see if they squirt fluid and retract. 
Bob
2007 Fleetwood Bounder - Full Paint 35E
Workhorse 6 Speed 496 Cubic Inch V8 - W22
Ford fans - RPM is a poor substitute for Cubic Inches!
2005 Saturn Vue V6 AT FWD Toad - Love it!
Scavenger Power Exh. Installed.
|
Dugan7
Nationwide
New Member
Joined: 09/28/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
The front brake hoses were replaced in July -- that was the most recent repair. That got us from West Virginia to Massachusetts, but now it's started all over again.
|
|
|
enblethen
Moses Lake, WA USA
Senior Member
Joined: 01/05/2005
View Profile
|
I am guessing you have discs up front and drums in rear?
Down from the master cylinder there may be a block for splitting the fluid from different brake positions. It is called "master cylinder compensating" it is possible that this unit is contaminated. It will prevent fluid from returning to master cylinder.
Bud
Suzuki XL7 pushing Pace Arrow
|
Dugan7
Nationwide
New Member
Joined: 09/28/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Yes, I do have disc in front and drum in rear. The item you mention is not something that any of the mechanics have brought up but I'll check to see if my vehicle has one. Thanks.
|
Dugan7
Nationwide
New Member
Joined: 09/28/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
There is something there that looks like what you describe. I'll have the mechanic start there tomorrow. Don't think there's anything I can do myself.
|
enblethen
Moses Lake, WA USA
Senior Member
Joined: 01/05/2005
View Profile
|
The unit i am referencing is a brass block about 1 inch thick 4 inches long and 1.5 inches tall. It should be mounted to frame rail or something stout, pretty close to master cylinder.
|
Dugan7
Nationwide
New Member
Joined: 09/28/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Bingo. I think that's it.
|
|
|
