1992 Chevy Astro brakes sticking

WA67YNE

MEMBER
1992 CHEVROLET ASTRO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
102,000 MILES

I have a 1992 Chevy Astro Van. I was driving home one day and the power steering and brakes went out. The power steering went out and was very hard to turn and stop, I had to practically stand up on the brake pedal. So as suggested, I got a hydro-booster. After the hydro-booster was replaced and I had to make a stop the brakes were locked and my van wouldn't move. I had the brake cylinders replaced and the brakes still stick but after I let it cool down, it moves again. Also, when I drive (just a short distance) the engine is now overheating. PLEASE HELP!

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Who installed the hydra booster? Did any power steering fluid get into the master cylinder from the old unit? Remove the cap on the master, is the rubber seal swelling? If yes, then the brakes fluid became contaminated and All rubber parts need to be replaced, this would include the master, calipers, wheel cylinders, flex hoses, and combination valve. Remove a small amount of brake fluid, put it in a cup of water, swirl it, it should be milky white, if oil beads appear on top, the fluid is contaminated. If the fluid is OK, When the brakes lock up, jack a locked wheel off the ground, open the bleeder screw, if the wheel turns freely now, replace the flex hoses, if it stays locked, replace the calipers. Also check the pushrod length, this is the rod that comes out of the booster, and pushes on the master, if it's too long, brakes can lock like yours are. Overheating could be because you are working the engine too hard with locked brakes.