1999 poor braking

[RubyRedLTZ]

new pads calipers and rotors. Back drum brakes are fine and adjusted. Just doesn’t stop very well. Looking for suggestions for improvements. Is police package parts much of an upgrade?

 

[tom3]

One thing to check in the rear. Those wheel cylinders tend to get crusty and freeze up the metal pistons. Just pull the rubber boot off and take a close look. Won't notice much in the brake pedal but sure cuts down on the stopping ability. And I've found that high performance brake pads up front sometimes don't work that well for everyday driving. Need some serious heat to really start gripping the rotor.

I did notice that going from our GMC Terrain to the Tahoe the big machine doesn't have strong brakes that we were used to in the Terrain. Have to look a little farther ahead seems like.

 

[Hoesgottaeat2]

The rear drums could be glazed and in need of resurfacing. Be sure the the shoes are adjusted all the way out and then backed off to a slight drag when rotating. Also make sure the system has been bleed well. These are all things that could be directly related to your poor braking condition.
I can’t advise on your police package inquiry. If the original equipment is in good working order these trucks have excellent braking power, regardless of whether your ‘99 is a Suburban or a Tahoe.

 

[wjburken]

When was the last time fluid was flushed with new all the way around?

What condition are the brake hoses/lines?

 

[Marky Dissod]

new pads calipers and rotors. Back drum brakes are fine and adjusted. Just doesn’t stop very well.
Looking for suggestions for improvements. Is police package parts much of an upgrade?

Since this is the GMT900 forum ...
Can his GMT400 upgrade to GMT900 front brakes?

 

[Hoesgottaeat2]

Can one of the moderators move this thread to the proper section please?

 

[Fless]

Can one of the moderators move this thread to the proper section please?

Consider it done.

 

[RubyRedLTZ]

All New lines and fluid. New master cylinder from newer generation. Sorry for posting in wrong forum.

 

[RubyRedLTZ]

Ceramic pads and drilled/slotted rotors. Not sure if that matters but….

 

[east302]

There are more threads on it, but here’s one about that master cylinder swap:

Changed EVERYTHING, brake pedal still goes to the floor.

88-94 brake lines are how I deleted mine and I've never regretted it. That's the exact route I'm fixing to go. Run the old style lines, a proportioning and call it a day.

www.gmt400.com

The Cliff’s Notes version is that the GMT800 master cylinder isn’t really appropriate for the rest of a stock JB5 system in the GMT400 without upgrading other things. Been there, done that. The truck had better pedal feel with a 800 MC but felt like the pads were made of smooth glass. Greatly reduced stopping power. I ditched it and put the stock style back on.

The pedal feel is not impressive compared to anything modern, but mine work best with the stock master cylinder, an ABS bleed followed by a pressure bleed, and properly adjusted drums.