1994 Chevrolet S10: brake failure

Filed Jun 7, 2005 · Brakes · 30,000 miles · OH

I purchased my 1994 chevy s-10, VIN [xxx], new in '94. Within the first 3 months of ownership, I noticed a problem with the rear braking system. The problem, the adjustors are shoving the shoes too tight against the drums, causing them to drag, glazing the shoes, & after periods of time, burning up the shoes, warping the drums. I've had to replace shoes & drums an average of every 30,000 miles. Taken the truck back several times with no results or problem acknowledgment. They clean them, adjust them, charge me, ship me out the door. When the roadway is wet or snowy, the rear brakes constantly lock up. This has thrown me into several intersections, into oncoming traffic, because of no brakes. When the rear brakes lock up the front brakes unload, leaving me with no brakes. The front pads go an average of 80,000 miles without needing changed. You ask for number of failures. The brakes fail during rains, snow, etc? Each time I hit my brakes during these conditions is a failure. I can't list all incident dates, there's too many! I listed approx. Begin date instead. This is still ongoing today! For gm to recall safety belts as a "safety hazard" is one thing. To totally ignore & hide a braking problem as nothing is quite another. I feel brakes are a bit more of a safety feature. I feel the braking system is very important. For gm to ignore this problem verifies why their stock is now considered junk bonds! Just like my truck, junk! I ask for a reply, as I would like to know if you have gotten other complaints or comments on this braking system, in this year. I've talked with others & learned they have the same problem and have been blown off by dealers as well. Thank you for your time and help with looking into this matter. *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Nov 4, 2003 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · KY

While driving applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.

Filed Aug 13, 2002 · Brakes · PA

Consumer was driving approx 30mph and began braking. Once reached approximately 10mph, brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Consumer had to continously pump brakes for braking ability to return. Vehicle checked by dealer, who replaced master cylinder. On 7/19/01 incident occurred again. Vehicle checked by dealer, who could not find a cause. *ak

Filed Jul 22, 2002 · Brakes · AL · crash

Abs brakes failed while driving, resulting in an accident. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.

Filed Apr 22, 2002 · Brakes · FL · crash

Since ABS campaign #c99046 vehicle recall service july 7, 2000 to replace ABS part # 8880026 module kit 4.720 I have had three loss of brakes in emergency stop/accident avoidance situation resulting in damages to frontal area of my vehicle all 3 time. And the last two times rear ending other person's vehicles. Ever since this recalled module was changed in low speed sudd stop or accident avoidance maneuvers while hitting the brake pedal the ABS unit comes on with a pedal pumping pulsation but never slows or stops the truck. I have also had both front seat tracks broken by the impact to impairing rear seat passenger entry and exit. I have had the brakes redone continously and filed claim with g.m. Last time requesting engineering investigation to no avail. I have found that this model ABS rear brakes are not auto adjusting after two prior accidents trying to get th brakes working correctly. I had had no followup by the federal safety agency regarding my last complaint by made by a tty/relay call as I am deaf. My insuranc has gone out of sight because of accident claim filings to fix this truck and never once did the insurance companies include th brake repairs in their reports. The truck brakes fine under all noprmal driving conditions including high speed thruway accident avoidance stops. Its just the low speed on dry roads with very warm near 90 degree temperature days on asphalt this happens and there is never a braking skid mark or wheel lock up at any accident site. I was advised that the recall module replacement was to resolve a "northern" wintertime icy condition stopping problem. The truck has never been driven in northern icy climates and the truck has always had expensive oversized special high performance tires/wheels/suspension components to enhance braking and handling. With this recall module change the brake fluid also gets black and contaminated faster. I want to unload this vehicle but am afraid a person unfamiliar could get hurt or hurt someone. Help!

Filed Dec 2, 2001 · Brakes · TN · crash

I was slowing to a stop sign on level ground during heavy early morning fog. I was going about 35 MPH. I pushed the brake pedal and it went all the way to the floor. The ABS light came on. I had no brakes at all. This has happened 3 times before when I was coming to a stop sign at the top of a hill near my home. I ran the stop sign and hit a light pole. This accident bent my bumper in half and pushed it into the radiator and the fan. This caused radiator damage. It broke the right side bumper support and busted my headlights and fog lights.

Filed Nov 8, 2001 · Brakes · FL

Recal 99i006000. This vehicle not included in recall. When brakes are applied on wet pavement pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Please give any further details.

Filed Oct 22, 2001 · Brakes · KY

Following is the correspondence I have had through email with gm. After 5 months I have my truck back and have spent over $800 for something I have found out they had a major recall for failed brakes. I had a recall and took it to this dealership. The recall was for a19 94 blazer and had something to do with the switch on the ABS brake system. About a week after I got it back the brake lights came on as I was driving down the road. They stayed on for about 5 miles until I reached my destination. When I started it back up they were off. The next week I was in traffic and braked sharply and the lights came on and I had no brakes. I pumped and they stopped me just in time. Lights went off. I took it make to the shop and they kept it for a week trying to figure out what was wrong with it. They called the hotline and said they could not help. They were finally able to make it happen and said it was the master cylinder and brake booster. I took it to my brother who has always worked on my car. He said I didn't need the brake booster, but put on a new master cylinder. It happened again the next day going down a hill in traffic, I braked and the lights came on and I had no brakes for about 15 seconds. I took it back to my brother, he called a dealership in versailles, ky and they called the hotline. They told him this had never happened before and offered no help. My brother thought it could be a defective master cylinder and put on another one. It happened again the next day. It has happened the last two days again. I just need to get it fixed if someone can tell me what's wrong. I don't want to get hurt or hurt someone else. I sure would appreciate anything you can do. This was in june. I to it back to the dealership and put in a brake booster and catalytic converter after at least 2 months.

Filed Sep 20, 2001 · Brakes · CA · crash

My son could not stop and hit another car. Brake pedal went to the floor.

Filed Jun 16, 2000 · Brakes · MD · crash

There is a recall on the ABS on 1994 4wd s10's, but gmc says it does not apply to my VIN. This loss of braking power during ABS-action occurs during sustained braking (as opposed to during full panic stops). Two rear-end collisions have resulted. Chevy dealer "inspected" brakes, charged me $50, and said they were okay. Now I can neither drive the truck or in good conscience sell it.

Filed Feb 8, 2000 · Brakes · HI

I have spent a year arguing with gm about the brake failure. In april of 96 they denied in writing that there were any problems with my brake system. (I had take my blazer in numerous times for that specific problem) I read an article in USA today stating that they were recalling vehicles from 94 and up. My vehicle being a 1994 s10 blazer, fell under this. I contacted gm and they told me to take it in and have the brakes repaired I took my vehicle in 08feb 00, and the dealer stated that my vehicle's computer could not be reprogrammed and therefore they could not fix it. I called gm and now they say my vehicle is no under that recall policy. This is not what they told me earlier and everything I have read shows that my vehicle should have been recalled. Can someone explain to me what the heck is going on? My brakes have gone out 5 times since I owned the truck. The last time my wife and son were inan accident beacause of this. Gm is taking advantage of rolling the dice because they know the little guy can't go out and hire a lawyer. I want my truck fixed, how do I get this done. Please e-mail me a response. Thank you.

Filed Jan 28, 2000 · Brakes · PA

While driving ABS lights came on. Brakes were very hard to push. Took it to the local mechanic who replaced brake booster. Since repairs were done, when driving under 20mph ABS will work. But, after that speed ABS brakes failed, and ABS light came on.