Brakes

MATTHEW LACOPO

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
4.2L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
209,000 MILES

I just recently put new brakes, rotors, calibers, and a new master cylinder on my vehicle. After bleeding all the brakes my car is still dragging. At first it will act good then after a few minutes it starts to mess up bad. It does not do it to all the tires, just a few at a time. And smells like burning. The brake pedal stays good and firm. Car stops great. Just drags so bad after driving for a bit.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,742 POSTS

Next time it acts up, stop on a slight incline, shift to neutral, place a block about six inches downhill of one tire so you will not look funny chasing after the truck, then crawl underneath and open the bleeder screw for the caliper that is getting hot. If that lets it release, suspect the rubber flex hose. There is a bracket crimped around the center of the hose. See if you can pry that open a little with a large Channel Lock pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver. Rust builds up inside that crimp and constrict the hose. You can force brake fluid through that restriction with foot pressure, but the fluid cannot release easily. When this gets bad enough, the brake pedal will be unusually high and hard.