My brake pads are good but I have no brakes

Tiny
CORKEYBRIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET UPLANDER
  • 4.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,567 MILES
I installed new brake pads. But when I step on the brake it is really hard and the vehicle does not stop very well.
Saturday, December 24th, 2016 AT 6:01 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Just replacing pads normally would not cause this. The only time the pads cause this is when they are made of a harder material and not meant for this vehicle, but even then, you normally just have poor stopping distance and not a hard pedal.

A hard pedal is normally cause by brake booster issues so we will have to look into that.

Here is a guide on how to replace front pads just to make sure you didn't miss something:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

As for the booster we need to make sure none of the lines came off or if you did remove any that they went back on the same place.

The easiest way to test the booster is to start the engine and let it idle. Shut the engine off and press the brake. You should have an easy/normal pedal for about 2 full presses. Press the brake until the assist is gone and the pedal feels hard. Then hold it with moderate pressure like sitting at a stop sign, and start the engine.

If the pedal drops slightly then the diaphragms inside are working. If the pedal doesn't move then the booster is the issue and needs replaced.

Below is a guide on how to do that.

Let us know if you have questions. Thanks
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Friday, January 1st, 2021 AT 7:12 AM

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