1997 Chevrolet Suburban: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 60,000 miles · TX

Heater and AC controls went out twice. Factory replaced them @ $125, then 9 months later it went out again. Factory said it was under 12 months, but I had driven over 12,000 miles so it was not under warranty any longer. Windsheild wiper module goes bad. Wipers will suddenly stop or wont turn on. On 3rd module now. Brakes, constant grinding and weak stops. Have replaced rotors 4 times. Same results. Steering loses tension when steering to the left. Problem is still ongoing but has made me almost lose control several times.

Filed Dec 22, 2003 · Transmission · NE

Vehicle experiences grinding/rumbling while in highend torque situations (I.e. Going up slight grades not steep enough to cause downshift). Stops when I bump accelerator. Replaced u-joints, but did not fix. Was told by gm tech it was probably torque convertor failing.

Filed Jun 5, 2002 · Transmission · TX

While driving 5 MPH heard a loud grinding noise and vehicle would not accelerate anymore. Dealer determined transmission needed to be replaced.*ak.

Filed Dec 18, 2000 · Brakes · WI

Abs engages at slow speed in normal driving conditions and occasionally following braking when cornering. Decrease in braking distance also noticed as it feels as if slipping occurs in brakes. Grinding noise also attendant to this situation. Dealer service replaced sensor and hub assembly. Brakes had been replaced previously at 70,000 miles, which I consider too early on this vehicle.

Filed Mar 9, 2000 · Transmission · TX

The transmission started grinding at 5 MPH in first gear only. The suburban was driven directly to the dealer, a distance of approximately 10 miles. By the time we arrived, the transmission was grinding in all gears and at all speeds.

Filed Jan 12, 2000 · Electrical, Seats · NJ

There is a grinding in the steering column.

Filed Nov 18, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · TX

While stopping, applying brake, heard a clunk noise and felt a jarring. After parking, tried to put into reverse and could not. Was able to drive forward but heard a grinding noise. Now unable to get into gear and it does not shift. No reverse. The brake problem became apparent with a grinding noise while moving through stop and go traffic. Failed calipers and resulting in damaged rotors and pads.

Filed Sep 20, 1999 · Brakes · CA

When the brakes are applied, they would make squeaky noises & the brake pedal would go to the floor. Also, every 3 months, the ABS braking system had to be replaced due to excessive wear.

Filed Jul 1, 1999 · Brakes, Steering · WA

Power steering keeps fluctuating between feeling tight and sloppy. At certain points the steering wheel seems to be pulled from my grasp, and oversteering occurs. Steering also sometimes makes a moaning noise. Also, brakes need to be replaced every 20,000 miles. Last time I had brakes replaced at dealer, I had to return 5 times to have them corrected. I was told shims broke off the front pads and were binding. All I know is that I could see the rotors glowing blue and the brakes smelled like they were burning, they were also making a horrible grinding noise when they were warm.

Filed Apr 9, 1999 · Brakes · CA

I purchased my 1997 3/4ton 4x4 suburban in oct 97. After only two months having it,in december, 1997 I began experiencing problems with the front brakes squeaking. Took to the dealership they replaced the front pads. Then 2months later,in february, 98 same thing happened again. I became concerned as to why this was happening. This has been going on every 2-3 month since, and we are now in april, 99 and I am still having the same problem. Lucky to get 1-2 thousand miles on the pads. Have been to dealer approximately 10 times for this. Dealer was concerned as to why they were wearing so quick. Now 4-5 sets in this short of time. The last two times I have taken it to them I left the dealership with them still squeaking, and I wanted to have fixed. Now added to this problem is the front end pulling to the left front when you apply the brakes, and when it is raining out the vehicle hops all over the road when you try to stop. It is very scary. This is now a major concern, and I am afraid it could be dangerous. Im march ,99 I brought back to service manager for the squeak, pull of the front end. When I left that day vehicle had nothing done to it. Service manager said he would contact gmc rep.have him come out maybe he could resolve the problem. This was on mar3,1999. I waited till apr 8,1999, dorian taft gmc rep. Came out. I requested in writing that I be present when he was out so we could discuss my concerns. I was never called, I went to the dealership after work spoke to the service manager who informed me that the gmc rep was in a hurry didnt have time to discuss the issue with me or check my vehicle out like it should have been,and that was whole purpose. Im very upset and this is totally unsat. My vehicle concerns problems still stand.I believe this is very unsafe & think the problem needs to be addressed and taken care of now. Longest set of pads lasted approx 2000 miles. Front rims are a constant black. Please help me out.

Filed Mar 5, 1999 · Brakes · MN

The brake pads had worn down excessively, causing grinding noises, like metal to metal. Taking vehicle to dealer's to check & have them repaired/replaced.