2003 Tahoe/Thank you for letting me join

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dstroisch1234

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Hello,
Thank you for letting me join. I have a 2003 chevy tahoe. It has the 5.3l with an issue with the breaks. Not sure how to explain it but by saying that some times the peddle is spongy and some times hard to pressafter a while you can smell the breaks because ther are hot. I have replaces the calipers and pads, also the rotors, break lines. All in the front. It makes me think it could possibly be the booster?? Any help would be great. Thank you in advance.
 

justirv

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Hello,
Thank you for letting me join. I have a 2003 chevy tahoe. It has the 5.3l with an issue with the breaks. Not sure how to explain it but by saying that some times the peddle is spongy and some times hard to pressafter a while you can smell the breaks because ther are hot. I have replaces the calipers and pads, also the rotors, break lines. All in the front. It makes me think it could possibly be the booster?? Any help would be great. Thank you in advance.
Welcome, many here to help. I'm not sure on the hot brake smell issue? Is it all 4 wheels or possibly coming from the rear (parking brake hanging)? As far as spongy, no matter how well I bled the brakes, I could never get a firm pedal until I bled the ABS/master with a Tech 2. Huge improvement.
 

Joseph Garcia

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Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving clarifying questions from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

I think that you still have air in the system, since you changed the calipers and brake lines. The best solution is to use/borrow a quality bi-directional scanner and let it help bleed the air out of the system for you. A local shop should also be able to perform this operation at a reasonable price.
 
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dstroisch1234

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Welcome to TYF from Colorado. Those would be called "brakes" and a "pedal." ;)

Does it have a vacuum booster, or hydroboost assist?
Ok thank you......not sure about the vacuum booster or hydroboost assist. I feel it would be the hydro because it is not the normal brake booster. I will take pictures and post them tomorrow. Also sorry about the miss spelling.....long day when I made the post.
 
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dstroisch1234

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Jul 8, 2025
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Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving clarifying questions from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

I think that you still have air in the system, since you changed the calipers and brake lines. The best solution is to use/borrow a quality bi-directional scanner and let it help bleed the air out of the system for you. A local shop should also be able to perform this operation at a reasonable price.
Thank you, I will look into this option
 
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dstroisch1234

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jul 8, 2025
Posts
4
Reaction score
8
Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving clarifying questions from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

I think that you still have air in the system, since you changed the calipers and brake lines. The best solution is to use/borrow a quality bi-directional scanner and let it help bleed the air out of the system for you. A local shop should also be able to perform this operation at a reasonable price.
I will post pictures tomorrow after work thank you
 

Sundancer

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Welcome to the forum! You are going to spend endless hours here reading learning. My first Tahoe was a 2003 LT and I have been hooked every since, 2nd was a 2011 LTZ which I had for 9 years and currently a 2020 Tahoe RST. When I drive by a well kept 2003, I still have a tear in my eye :)
Enjoy it and these folks here are the experts for sure !
 

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