What Are the Different Types Of 2004 Chevy Silverado Brake Problems?

Chevy's Silverado 2004 is a heavy duty pickup truck which is powered by 6.6-L turbo diesel V-8 engine providing it 367 horsepower. However, this beauty is being reported to have various brake related problems. Let’s review common 2004 Chevy Silverado brake problems reported by its consumer so far and what all option you have, to get them repaired.

This article will help you to understand better that why at a certain age or earlier your car has started to malfunction. You will be able to relate to the problem and will be informed enough to judge whether your mechanic is doing his job right or not.

Intermittent brake failure problems

Even a well-kept car can sometimes face intermittent brake failure. This is nothing unique to Chevy Silverado 2004. Here are the things you must check when you experience this problem for the first time. This is also a part of common Chevy suburban problem.

Check for the loss of brake fluid pressure. The braking system in your car works with hydraulic pressure, and in case there is any leak in the broken line, or caliper or wheel cylinder, it could cause insufficient pressure in the brake line for the brakes to work properly. This may be first line indication of loss of fluid pressure in the brake system. You must not drive the car until you are sure that this is the case.

When your car has become quite old, then a rusty steel brake line is formed due to extended exposure to moisture and road salt. This can cause the car's steel brake lines to corrode in some cases. This may lead to leakage of brake fluids which can again cause brake failure.

Check your ABS Modulator. This could be faulty and can cause break pressure to leak internally, which may result in not enough amount of routing pressure to be built to stop the car when you step on the brake pedal. This may be due to dust or rust entering the ABS modulator of your car.

Check the water in brake fluids. The rise in temperature of brake fluid causes the water to vaporize, which causes steam to be compressed. This lack of water will not allow the braking motion to be transmitted to the vehicle's wheels. Hence your car will not be able to break.

Low brake pedal

When you press the brake pedal, and it goes down to the floor, then air pressure in the brake line could be the problem. When you press your car's foot brake, air is used which must be build up quickly. When pressure drops to very low while you drive, then you must take it to the car mechanic before driving it further. This could be hazardous to your life and other pedestrians on the road. This is also a common Chevrolet Traverse problem.

Check your power brake booster. Faulty power brake boosters may cause the brake pedals to be pressed to the floor for it to work. The car may even drive to some distance before stopping after application of brakes. These vacuum controlled power brake boosters need to be checked by a professional mechanic to measure the vacuum being built by them.

Check your master cylinder. Master cylinder is the heart of brake system and holds the brake fluid to be fed into front and rear brakes. If the master cylinder is worn out, it may result in leaking of brake fluid which will result in dropping of hydraulic pressure to the brakes and result in soft brake pedal.

Problems with pads and rotors

If you hear any un-friendly noise coming out of your car, you must start inspecting it before it damages other healthy parts of your car due to the metal on metal grinding. Screeching, grinding, rubbing and other piercing noises are a common indicator that your brake pads and shoes have worn out and required a health check.

In case you drive a lot in city traffic, then there are more chances of your earlier wear and tear of your car's brake pads due to more stop and go driving conditions. So, avoid tailgating as much as possible and try to drive at the pace of the traffic. If you install these healthy habits, then obviously, your car parts will live for longer duration giving you fewer problems.

Leaking Brake Fluid

If you have a soft brake pedal, then it may be an indication of leaking brake fluid from master cylinder or elsewhere from the broken system. You must visit your nearest mechanic to get your car inspected before you take it on the road. This could be an indication of failing master cylinder and would require a repair or replacement depending on the case.

Brake Light is On

When you see that break-light indicator on your dashboard, then your car smart metering indicator is signifying a need for inspection. That there is something not right with the function of your car and you must rush to a mechanic before driving it further. It can be hazardous for people driving the car and threat to the life of pedestrians on the road.

Your car tells you way ahead of its malfunctioning before any disaster takes place. If you see any un-friendly noise, or your car running towards one side while breaking, you must get it inspected. This inspection should preferably be done by certified mechanics as they have all the tools and gadgets to ensure your safe drive on the road.

If you feel a slight bump when you start or stop your car or any burning smell when you are in your car, then it could be an indication of some wear and tear on your car. If you ignore this in the first instance, it can lead to even expensive repairs. As these small wear and tear can also impact other healthy parts of your car.

If your car is still under warranty, you can check with the customer care about the cover before visiting your local mechanic to have a better understanding.