1996 GMC Suburban brakes problems

Filed Feb 21, 2006 · Brakes · MI

Limited recall limits my safety! I had a recent close call in my 1996 gmc suburban. The brakes began to anti-lock on dry pavement when anti-lock assistance was not required, thus greatly increasing my stopping distance. The brakes were not pressed hard; the anti-lock should not have engaged. It was a close call between my truck and the vehicle in front of me. Currently my suburban is not covered under gm's recent limited recall. However, attention needs to be given to this situation; my truck needs to be covered. My concern is not a trivial, my safety and the safety of others is at hand. Gm should be more than happy to take care of a safety issue. I recently read an article in the detroit news about gm's recall of 1.4 million 99-02 full size trucks and SUV's in 20 states. The recall concerns the anti-lock brake wheel hub sensor getting inaccurate readings. The article brought the severity and critical importance of this recall and my problem to my attention. Proper recall procedures need to cover all vehicles affected, not limited by mileage, age, or location. Safety needs to be the main concern, not a political or financial agenda of automakers. Thank you for your prompt attention to my concerns. *nm..updated 07/01/14

Filed Oct 6, 2005 · Brakes · 74,000 miles · OH

Dt: 1996 chevrolet suburban. A manufacturer's recall 05068 concerning ABS brakes on the 1999 through 2002 models. Was issued. This vehicle was not included in the recall although the consumer experienced the same problem as mentioned in the recall. The consumer had not taken vehicle to the dealer yet, but the consumer knew that there was no recall on this make an model, and year for the ABS. The ABS activated between 3-10 MPH, causing extended stopping distance. This started happening about six months ago, not every time. Now, it happens every time while driving the vehicle under any road conditions. There have been no accidents because of this, but it is just a matter of time. Could not count the number of times the ABS failed.*ak

Filed Nov 21, 2004 · Brakes · 114,346 miles · TX

Vehicle was exhibiting no problems. Upon approaching a red traffic light the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal went to the floor, as if the ABS system was kicking in, but the vehicle did not slow down. I replaced the master cylinder and bled all brake lines, and the condition still exists. I performed diagnostics on the vehicle according to seveal service manuals and determined that the ABS modulator valve has failed in such a manner as to allow brake fluid to bleed into the ABS accumulator, without getting an ABS diagnostic failure light. I had to drive the vehicle home for over 20 miles with severely limited breaking power and was very fortunate to have avoided an accident. I would rather not have ABS breaks on the vehicle than have a break system that can fail in this manner. Pumping the brake pedal was ineffective in building brake pressure, as is normally the case when a master cylinder fails.

Filed Dec 31, 2001 · Brakes · NY

This vehical has intermittent left and right pulling, reduced braking performance,premature pad wear and replacment,and expensive system upgrades.

Filed Sep 5, 2001 · Brakes · GA

Brake pedal is spongy, and there is extended braking distance. Dealer has replaced front pads and front discs. But, did not remedy problem.

Filed Aug 21, 2001 · Brakes · PA

Brakes became very difficult to depress. Fortunately I was able to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision with stopped traffic. Power assist was replaced and brakes are operating fine. Learned through auto parts supplier and dealership that this failure on the suburban has been very common.

Filed Jun 18, 2001 · Brakes, Steering · IN

Truck pulls when braking. Tbs fix implemented with little to no improvement. Last time at dealer, dealer said gmc has problem with 3/4ton suburban brakes but doesn't have fix. Nothing he can do. Truck has had combination valve replaced, rear shoes replaced, front pads replaced (5x total), calipers replaced, rotors replaced, tie rods replaced, idle arm replaced, steering box and pitman arm replaced, front brake hoses replaced, control arm bushings replaced, and aligned several times with no fix to the problem. Braking at highway speeds it is very dangerous. You don't know which way the vehicle will go and how hard it will try to get there. As an engine designer I find it amazing that gm has a handling/safety issue of this magnitude. This is a big truck to have such a controlability problem. Please help. A shaull

Filed May 24, 2001 · Brakes · FL

When applying ABS brakes pedal becomes extremely soft and nearly goes to floor, causing extended stopping distance. Also, brake pads and rotors have been replaced. But has not corrected the problem. Please give any further details.

Filed Dec 28, 2000 · Brakes · OH

Rotors warped, need to be turned every 5,000 - 7,000 miles.

Filed Sep 4, 2000 · Brakes · NY

Had faulty trailer outlet repaced in norwich,ny,while enroute to nj. While traveling down route 206 in nj my brakes for the treailer would not work.this was on a steep downhill. Was able to stop by pulling into an elks club parking lot.my trailer plug came out of the socket and was shredded do to dragging.an erlk member let me borrow his cable. The borrowed cable also came out twice. The replacement cable also would not stay in the outlet unless I tapped it. I repoted the problem to the dealer, olivers campers, norwich ny. The response that I recived was I did not know what I was doing.that I should tie the plug in with wire. I was not asking for anything other than to have the outlet looked into. I feel that this is a real safety road hazzard. It may be the only defective one but if not how many deffective outlets are there? I do have other trailers and they seem to lock okay. It may be that it is only certain plugs.but I feel that it needs to be addressed.