Braking problems

LILROCHEAD

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET EXPRESS
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
111,000 MILES

Hi I own a 1999 chevy cargo van 3500, and just yesterday my driver side rear (metal) brake line had a pinhole leak which was very loud and spilled a whole bunch of fluid. Well I fixed the problem by taking the whole line off and took it to hydraulic garage where they put a hydraulic hose in replacement of the effected area. Now my problem is that I added fluids and blead the front caliper but one side the driver side the other side is like stuck, but my pedal still hits the floor and braking is terrible plus the brake light is still on. Please can you help

1 Reply

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

This is a tough one.
First, I think that there is some contamination not allowing the caliper to go back to its open postion, (so the wheel can turn).
Second, it is difficult to get fluid going when the sytem is completely empty. Sometimes using a hand held vaccuum pump helps. I also is probably being held up by contamination.
So, I would remove the line near the locked caliper, if it releases, I would flush it until clean fluid comes out.
I would at least inspect or replace the other hard line.
Also, follow this rule of thumb when bleeding brakes;
Always work from the farthest from the master cylinder. So, first the passenger rear, then the drivers rear. Follow with the passenger front and then the drivers right side.