Vannin' Home Forums Chevy Troubleshooting BRAKE PROBLEMS 93 G20

Have you replaced the rubber lines in the brake system? They can cause all kinds of weird happenings. They break down on the inside and I've had them lock calipers, cause the vehicle to dart one way or another, etc. Something to consider while you're in there.

As for getting them to lock up and slide, ABS is supposed to prevent that from happening. I know you've bypassed the one circuit but the other may still be functioning. I have never gotten my van to lock all four. It will lock the front on a hard braking but I've never locked the back ones. Weight distribution has a lot to do with it and the quality of the brake hardware does too. I've had 2 cases where I had defective brakes out of the box. On my '67 van, it quickly got to where it pulled so hard to the right when I even moderately applied the brakes that it was dangerous to drive. The wheel cylinders, some of the hard parts, and the shoes were new. I worked and worked and finally in desperation, took the hoes back and had them warranty them and that fixed the problem. I also had a Jeep Cherokee that wouldn't lock. I set the rear shoes up so tight you couldn't even budge the wheel with it on stands. 30mph and hard stomp of the pedal and it just kind of came to a much too long stop. I replaced the shoes (they were new to begin with) and it immediately locked them on the same 30mph stomp the pedal application.

Problems like this can make you bonkers. Think it all through logically before spending hard earned dough.

Well here's whats been done so far-
New master clyinder (not rebuilt)
New wheel cylinders
New (rebuilt) calipers
New rubber hoses, 2 front, 1 rear
New vacumn booster check valve
New rotors, drums turned
New pads and shoes

The shoes and pads are autozone house brand. Maybe I need to upgrade to Raybestes, or another name brand. Ceramics? Any suggestions?

The ABS unit has been removed from the van competely (anybody need a boat anchor?) and the lines plumbed back in. It was definately messed with before I bought the van. Never could get it to work.
I have bled the system 4 times, the brake fliud runs nice and clean.

I sure appreciate all the help guys. I've done lots of brake jobs over the years, had problems here and there but nothing like this.

I had a couple GM vans that wouldnt lock up the front wheels. All the weight of the engine, passengers and front end is on the front wheels. You're more likely to get the rears to lock up. either way, the fastest way to stop is just before they lock, so the fact that they wont may just save your butt one day.

You can upgrade but I don't know if ceramics are in order. I did put ceramics on my Astro simply because I tow at max GVW and sometimes more. Ceramics work great but they eat rotors like the cookie monster goes for chips ahoy. Brake rotors on vehicles that come with ceramics are harder and so endure better. Was there any improvement at all once you removed the ABS box?

NO CERAMIC's unless you have a good supply of rotors....I run Raybestos in both my G30's...

OK- Finally got back to the brakes, I just bought a set of Wagner shoes and pads. Not ceramic, but still higher end. Will get them installed tonight.

To answer your question, Yes there was a big difference after the ABS unit was removed. The pedal felt more "normal" but I still can't lock the wheels. The van will slow very quickly but not lock up.

New pads and shoes are on, took a test drive,BIG difference. The brakes will almost lockup, I'm sure It'll get better as they wear in. Takin' a little road trip this weekend so we'll find out. Feel a lot more confident driving.

Excellent, glad you had some success.

They Work!!!! I can lock em up if I need to now. I put a couple hundred miles on over the weekend got the shoes and pads broke in. Went to my daughters(hour and a half away) to work on their house and fixed their toilet, I always get the dirty jobs! Also flat towed my Nash to a car show Sunday. The Van ran great in the heat and the brakes worked perfectly!

Lesson learned- Don't use house brand brake shoes. I've never had problems in the past but I will never use them again!
Thanks for all the help guys.