1996 Chevy S-10 Brakes are extremely hard to push

Tiny
OSUJAMS_11
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
My 1996 S-10 brakes are extremely hard to push. When I try to stop, the brakes are very stiff and my truck will stop eventually, but only several seconds later. I pulled the hose out of the brake booster and checked for suction, and it was okay. After replacing the hose properly, I noticed a hissing sound from under the hood. I don't even know where to begin checking, or what to check for. I have not messed with any of the brake components, brakes, rotors, etc, but could it be that also. I tried driving in reverse and slamming the brakes, but that had no effect. What, where, and how should I check?
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 AT 10:46 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
It sounds like the brake booster is bad. You need a vacuum tool to see if it holds vacuum. That is where the power assist comes from. If not working, you have manual brakes and that is why it is so hard to push.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, November 12th, 2009 AT 10:54 AM
Tiny
OSUJAMS_11
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I checked that and it was the brake booster. It was leaking where the master cylinder meets the booster. I replaced the booster, and the brakes work like new, Thanks!
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Thursday, November 12th, 2009 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
That is what I figured. Regardless, I'm glad it's fixed. Let us know if you have questions in the future, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe
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Thursday, November 12th, 2009 AT 11:26 AM

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