Applied break to start truck. Foot went to floor, very weak pedal. Checked brake fluid level, found front reservoir empty. Traced brake lines for leaks. Found portion of rear hard brake line between gas tank and rear axle rusted through at bend where brake line leaves frame rail and heads to connect to flexible line at rear differential. Entire area around leak, bottom of bed, frame rail, shock, spring, etc. Dripping with brake fluid. Replaced a previous section of rear brake linearound 125k miles prior to finding out this was a common problem with gmc / chevy trucks.
1998 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems
18 complaints (31% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 18
- of this car's complaints
- 31%
- typical mileage
- 80,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip9
- Antilock2
- Foundation components: disc1
- Foundation components1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
- Risk
- If a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
Recall number 98V033000 · Recall details
What 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was approaching a busy intersection at a normal speed. When I used the brake it instantly went to the floor. No brakes! I went through the intersection into an empty lot. Thank god no accident. The brake line rotted because gm routed cheap steel lines in areas where sand, salt and water collect. Gmc refused to cover the repair and it cost me 500.00.
Component: service brakes, hydraulic details: the ABS pulsates at low speeds, usually at 10 MPH or slower. I've almost hit several vehicles because my '98 gmc sierra wouldn't stop. I see where they had a recall on 99 and newer trucks, but they need to go back further. This happens everytime I go to slow down. Gmc refuses to acknowledge problem prior to 1999.
The ABS pulsates at low speeds, usually at 10 MPH or slower. I've almost hit several vehicles because my '98 gmc sierra wouldn't stop. I see where they had a recall on 99 and newer trucks, but they need to go back further. This happens everytime I go to slow down.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 gmc sierra 1500. While approaching a stop between 1-5 MPH, the brakes vibrated, made a hissing sound, and lunged forward. The mechanic diagnosed a failure with the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock. The contact's vehicle year was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact filed a complaint with gmc on march 10, 2008 and was issued confirmation number 71-1609860847. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 111,500 and failure mileage was 111,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 gmc sierra 1500. While driving at any speed, the rear brakes shake. The vehicle was taken to a service station and the tires were replaced and balanced, the brakes were adjusted, and the brake shoes and rear brake pads were replaced. However, the rear of the vehicle continues to shake. The contact was informed that the brake shoes move about and there was no way they could be repaired. The contact also stated that the ABS light and the service engine soon light were illuminated and have been since april of 2006. The current mileage was 161,000 and failure mileage was 147,625. Updated 3/5/08 *cn updated 03/05/08
Abs slow speed activation . Have replaced sensors twice .
Dt: the contact stated while driving he depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and the anti lock brakes kicked in and out. Instead of stopping it will just slow the vehicle down. Repairs have been made.*ak the consumer was told the wheel speed sensor malfunctioned. Updated 01/25/06.
Dt: the contact stated the ABS activated at low speeds. He believed it is due to corrosion on the ABS sensors. The problem recurred more often. No repairs were made.
When the consumer applied the brakes he felt a pulsation. *jb the problem occurred not matter the weather conditions.
Questions about the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes
Does the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500, 31% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V033000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have bad brakes?
The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2015 (229 complaints), 2014 (144 complaints) and 2000 (131 complaints).
Other 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Visibility 11Transmission 7Steering 6Airbags 4Body 4Fuel system 4Electrical 3Engine 3Acceleration 1Lights 1Locks 1Seat belts 1Seats 1Suspension 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 GMC Sierra 1500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history