When applying brakes at highway speed, the front brakes will create a violent vibration due to defective rotors that cannot withstand heat generated by brakes, causing rotors to warp. Manufacturer has issued tsb. *ak
1999 Chevrolet Suburban brakes complaints
Page 9 of 9: complaints 221 to 246 of 246, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Front brakes have been replaced three times, each time one of the calipers was reported to have frozen or stuck, so that only one front brake was working. The rear brakes were first reported to have a rearmain seal leak, but later found to never work. The transmission failed after only 29000 miles while the vehicle was being test driven by the mechanic checking the brakes.
Driving in the neighborhood on rainy day, went to apply the brakes to stop and the front brakes were shaking and vibrating. Contacted dealer, said that this was normal. Contacted another dealer, and they told consumer that the front brakes were worn 90% down. *ak
When the brakes are applied vehicle will either go to the left or to the right. Dealer has replaced the brake rotors/pads/hoses and calipers twice. Manufacturer has been notified.
Vehicle has been to dealer numerous times. Vibration/shaking noted, however unable to identify and correct. Vehicle has had 3 sets of tires, l front and rear axels replaced, brake rotors turned 4 times, and 2 batteries.
When driving at any speed and applying brakes, the ABS system is working intermittently and the wheels lock up at any speed.
Rear brake drums were replaced by andy lewis chevrolet , union city at mileage 8070. On 9/24/1999 again the front brake rotors left and right had to be turned due to steering wheel vibration when brakes applied at any speed and more noticeable when coming to stop. Bill heard chevrolet in union city who bought andy lewis dealership refused to repair brakes under warranty when vehicle had only 22000 miles. At 25000 miles meadows motors agreed to repair again by turning brake disc. The warranty expires at 3 years/36000 whichever comes first. It appears chevrolet has a latent defect in the brake system of suburbans with the temper of the brakes. By turning the discs they only reduce the life of the metal and set up further warping. I would recommend with all the previous brake problems noted that the federal safety agency take a aggressive look at the brake system on the suburban and require the manufacturer to replace the discs on repeat problems instead of adding to the problem by turning the rotors. I am a qualifed car/aircraft mechanic of 37 years experience with a background in new manufacturing of aircraft and have a extensive knowledge of metal heat treating and hardiness. Thank you for your time.
Vehicle has had several major component failures since time of purchase, the electrical system failed whereas it left us stranded twice with a no start condition, then the brakes started to excessively squeek and pull, then the brake wore out prematurely, then the vehicle started to pull to the right excessively and drift, eventually pulling to the right when brakes applied, then the power steering system had gone out while driving, it has been outrageous that these problems are occurring on a new vehicle.
Anti lock brakes do not adequately stop vehicle, extended stopping distances. Mjs
Abs brake system does not stop vehicle adequately, extended stopping distances. Mjs
While driving on the highway at a speed of 20 MPH a loud bang occurred. A wheel came . Also, brakes did not work, resulting in a crash.
While driving at 20mph went to apply brakes, and vehicle pulled to the right and left. It happened at lower speed.
At interstate speeds vehicle pulls hard (!) to left. Problem is intermittent occuring only occasionally. Steering is eratic, particularly on rough or uneven surfaces. Problem is constant. Steering sensor replaced once. Vehicle pulls to right at all speedsall the time dealer states that vehicle meets factory specs. Serious intermittent drive train vibration happens at any speed and may persist for 40 or 50 miles. Have been to two dealers for a total of 7 trips. Problems persist. Chevrolet contacted - no help. This vehicle is unsafe!!! Help!
When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, the vehicle is pulling to the left and to the right.
I was in the process of putting this together before when the computer punted me out! So if I repeat, I am sorry. Since the start of my ownership of the 1999 3/4 ton chevy suburban, I have not been happy with the braking system. When I am applying the brakes coming over train tracks or rough road the brakes make a graoning noise. It only seems to happen going over rough road and tracks and if I have to come to a sudden stop. I believe the brakes are drum brakes, which seems to be "old" technology. I think the newest technology for sport utility vehicles is seen in the ford expedition...disk brakes. I think these would be beneficial in a vehicle weighing 3/4 ton, because it would give more stopping power to the driver, as is illustrated in most of the cars on the road today. I don't know what can be done about all the brake problems people have experienced with the gm suburbans (chevy and gmc), but something must be done, before someone gets seriously hurt! I also have another great suggestion....I had a 1993 chevy suburban and a 1981 vw rabbit convertible, and both had car fires...ergo the suggestion to have the manufacturers of all vehicles, include a fire extinguisher as standard equipment on a car. Thank you for your help, and I hope this type of notification gets some attention!
While driving at about any MPH consumer would step on brakes pedal to stop vehicle, and vehicle would pull to the left due to front wheels locking up.
The brakes pulled to left while stopping when vehicle purchased. I took it back to dealer and they said to wait for it to "seat" in because it was a new vehicle. At 2400 miles I felt that was more than enough time and the problem still existed. The dealer lubricated the "slide rails" and returned the vehicle to me. Not long after I returned it back to the dealer again. They said that the pads were worn unevenly and this was the cause.they rotated the pads from left to right!! Once again the problem returned, especially after the brakes were used frequently or at higher speeds (heating up). Eventually, while on vacation in florida, I had to take it to a dealer there because when another car pulled out in fron of me, the brakes pulled so hard to the left I went into the other lane. The dealer in florida stated that the rotors were warped and replaced the rotors and pads. I am now experiencing the same problem again. I have not taken it back to the dealer for the fourth (4th) time yet due to a transmission failure and having to take it back for a fourth (4th) time for that.
Brakes have continually experienced pulling while braking almost resulting in vehicle collision on one incident, unable to rectify. Mjs (attorney for consumer).
I just had the same exact 1999 suburban go back under the lemon law with the same problem. Vin #[xxx]. The problem started right away and it took me almost 6 months to get results. I need to know what course of action I should take now. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Was slowing down to approximately 20mph & getting ready to park heard the brake sensor warning sound. Had no brakes after warning system sounded. The brakes failed at 12,000 miles. Brought vehicle in 6/98. Dealership said brakes were not under warranty & would not repair them.
The brakes are squealing very loudly, indictating the rotors are getting hot.master cylinder was replaced at approxmatley 5806 miles because brake fluid was leaking. Then front brakes were replaced at 9000. Also need to be replaced again at at about 13,000. Dealer claims the vehicle is too heavy for the brakes.
Abs malfunctions, especially in wet conditions, brakes perform in a very irregular manner, they are not predictable or offer reliable performance throughout use. Brakes pull hard right, even after several time to fix. I have reported ABS problems, and took 4 attempts before dealer tried to repair becuase they could not replicate ABS failure occurrence. Steeering chatter when braking from time to time, rear drums have been replaced and turned. Rear drums chattered until turned. Warping occurred to rear drums. This vehcile is unsafe and I have lost confidence in my purchase, and am pursuing the responsible purchase of vehicle underneath the lemon laws of washington state.
Vehicle pulls to right when braking, no fix after 5 attempts with dealer and braking specialist
When driving vehicle at any speed and applying brakes, vehicle pulls to the right. Also, brakes are smoking.
Front brakes malfunctioned causing the vehicle to swerve right, brake pedal vibrated indicating that the anti lock feature activated, vehicle swerved approximately two feet to the right, brakes have worked prior and after this one occasion correctly, consumer states he has two 1999 suburbans and one 1995 that also experience brake problems.
Brakes, once warm, pull radically to the left sending vehicle into the on-coming lanes of traffic.
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