Front brakes are hanging up. I put new pads, new rotors, new calipers and brake hoses and bled the brakes and they are still hanging up and getting extremely hot

Asked by Switchgoat Jul 17, 2013 at 12:29 AM about the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 Crew Cab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I need to know if the computer has to be reset for the brakes.  How do I get the brakes to release?  It is a 2005 Silverado Z71 5.3 liter V8 with rear drums.

62 Answers

1,915

when this happens have went down to the bleeders on the caliper and cracked them to see of they release? if you haven't do that first. if they release go up the the master cylinder and unbolt it from the brake booster (leaving the line attached), and look to see if the master cylinder has returned to the released position(piston resting against the retainer snap ring). if it hasn't then replace the master cylinder. (there are two different types of master cylinders they have used- latch type and pin type, that refers to how the reservoir is attached to the master cylinder its self.They will ask you that when you go to buy a new Master cylinder> If it has returned make the pedal isn't binding or the booster hasn't got a problem and isn't returning to the released position. that should get you headed in the right direction :)

112 people found this helpful.
420

did anyone ever figure the brakes locking up on this truck cause my daughters 2005 is doing the same thing and already put $300 in it just on parts

42 people found this helpful.
1,130

I HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE. DID COMPLETE BRAKE JOB ETC. APARANTLY THE BRAKE FLUID BECAME CONTAMINATED. HERE'S MY THEORY; I NEVER HAVE ANY BODY WORK ON MY VEHICLES. BUT ONE TIME I HAD EXCEEDED OIL CHANGE MILEAGE ( WHEN I WAS ON THE ROAD( ABOUT 300 MILES FROM HOME) SO I PULLED IN TO WAL-MART ( STUPID ME ) FOR AN IOL CHANGE. OF COURSE THEY COURTEOUSLS TOPPED OFF ALL FLUIDS- DUH. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER I NOTICED THAT AT REST THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE ( LIKE BEGIN TO MOVE ON A HILL) .IT GRADUALLY GOT WORSE, BRAKES WOULD HEAT UP ETC. AFTER FORCING TO DRIVE THEY LOOSENED UP ENOUGH TO GET WHERE I WSE GOING, BUT STILL WERE NOT COMPLETELE RELEASED. MY THEORY APARANTLY WAS CORRECT. I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE THAT THE WAL-MART GUY WAS THE CULPRIT. SOLUTION; FIRST RAN SEVERAL BOLLLES OF BRAKE FLUID THROUGH SYSTEM( EQUALLY ON ALL 4 WHEELS). THEN REMOVED ALL WHEEL CYLINDERS; CLEANED, HONED, PUT NEW RUBBERS IN THEM. I', NOT A VERY SMART PERSON BUT MY LONG SHOT THEORY WAS ALL THAT WAS LEFT. PROBLEM SOLVED. I KNOW A JOB LIKE THAT ISN'T A MECHANIC'S FAVORITE THIN TO DO. BUT CAN YOU IMAGINE THE COST OF HAVING A DEALER DO IT. IM THANKFULL I'M STILL YOUNG ENOUGH ( 72 ) TO DO MY OWN WORK AND DO REASONABLY TO TROUBLE SHOOT MY PROBLEMS. rikirae@hotmail.com

87 people found this helpful.
1,130

DON'T FORGET TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER ( DON'T RTEBUILD REBUILD IT OR GET A REBUILT ONE-- THEY NEVER WORK) rikirae@hotmail.com

26 people found this helpful.
580

2005 GMC Z71, going through this issue now!!! All my mechanic type buddies or students told me one of two things. Contaminated fluid or master cylinder. Had really bad contaminated fluid, $300, brake flush. Tried that, problem still exists, the mechanic is telling me the master cylinder needs to be replaced. another $500, but won't charge me the diagnosis fee, only the part and labor. Pissed off beyond belief!!!

55 people found this helpful.
660

So have any of you pulled the master cylinder and find the booster is hull of fluid because I'll bet that is the problem. At this point the fluid has ruined the booster so now you have to replace both. I've done about 6 of these so far

66 people found this helpful.
990

I had this problem on my 2000 silverado 1500 4wd. Turned out rust had built up where the wheel speed sensor mounts in the side of the hub. There are great youtube videos that guide you step by step in fixing it. If you get a new sensor be careful. They come with shims factory but an aftermarket one from Advance auto didnt so I put my old ones on and brakes were still sticking. Took them off and the wheel bearing would hit the sensor. So I ended up using 1 shim instead of both and it works great

46 people found this helpful.
890

Rear brakes hanging up on 01 Tahoe. Replaced calipers and hoses. Much better but not totally free. If I start it up and pump the brakes, shut it off. Brakes are dragging. If I pump it a couple times with engine off they free up. Could this be master cylinder?

88 people found this helpful.
1,430

2006 Silverado 4x4 with same front lockup. Started after I replaced the front with ceramic pads. Today I bleed the system to clear fluids and when I opened the front bleeders the brakes released. Finisher bleeding and tested with truck off, pressed pedal several time and a little drag but could turn the front spinal. After I cranked the truck and pressed the brake a few times it locked up. To me this is a booster issue. Odd enough it's only the front so one would think master cylinder. I will be cracking the master loose from the booster to check that. These pads are toast.

37 people found this helpful.
990

Did you have to remove the wheen speed sensor on the back of your hub?

21 people found this helpful.
990

If so take it off and play around with the shims. Sounds like your anti lock is kicking in. You can check with a multimeter to ensure you have the right amount of space between the sensor and wheel bearing but I just put one spacer on the sensor, bolt it back to the hib and spin my hub and liaten and feel for scraping. If u dont then put your caliper back on and test your brakes. Rust and corosion messes with the spacing for some reason

23 people found this helpful.
1,430

Update to my repair today. Made sure brakes were locked up then pulled the master cylinder from the booster. What I found was not good, lower 1/3 of booster is full of brake fluid. I tow a lot and have had to top off the brake fluid at times but didn't think about it. I FOUND IT!. Question now is booster still good? I can syphon out the fluid or almost all of it.

44 people found this helpful.
1,430

Found my answer, I have to replace the booster and the master. Now I need to find out the brake code so I know which one I need. I have decoded the VIN, looked at all the stickers on the truck. Is it a JF3, JC3 or the 7 series. Where is it noted? Thanks

39 people found this helpful.
1,430

Found the brake and other build codes on sticker in glove box.

21 people found this helpful.
1,150

Can anyone tell me what else can it be besides anything that's on here cuz my 05 silverado z71 5.3 is doing the same thing but I already replaced absolutely everything in talking about booster, master cylinder, rubber brake lines, calipers, brake pads, abs, and abs pump can't think of anything else. Can someone help me out plz?

115 people found this helpful.
390

Issacv22 did you figure out your problem. My 2009 z71 is doing the same thing. 2 brake boosters and master cylinders but front brakes keep locking up intermittent. Usually after running in park for 5-10 min. Mechanics can't figure it out. Brake lines have been flushed repeatedly. Problem never happens while at the mechanic.

39 people found this helpful.
220

The stainless slides your pads sit on are bent some and holding the pads in place.

22 people found this helpful.
360

I have a 2001 chevy silverado and when i try to take off the front driver side makes a bad dragging sound griding to. Whay could it be?

36 people found this helpful.
250

i have found on many disc brakes that the hat builds up with rust and causes the stainless slides to swell and won't let the pads release. pull off the slides and clean up the rust.

25 people found this helpful.
420

it sounds like someone put OIL in the brake fluid. This will make all the seals swell and bind. replace all of your brake parts with any rubber and flush out the system.

11 people found this helpful.
480

> "I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE THAT THE WAL-MART GUY WAS THE CULPRIT. SOLUTION; FIRST RAN SEVERAL BOLLLES OF BRAKE FLUID THROUGH SYSTEM( EQUALLY ON ALL 4 WHEELS). THEN REMOVED ALL WHEEL CYLINDERS; CLEANED, HONED, PUT NEW RUBBERS IN THEM". this guy must be lying you cannot "hone the cylinders". anything made in your lifetime uses nickel plated cylinders (the plating is extremely hard: but VERY VERY THIN). in recent times they go thinner and thinner on the plating. were you to hone or sand just a little you'd see the nickel come off. infact the failure of many are not due to "the rubber o-ring", but failure of nickel plating having worn away in the worst areas (thus allowing corrosion and further failure). there is absolutely no way to recover an old caliper that is freezing. (preventive maintenance will extend life - but remember these we're talking about are made in mexico shipped to USA and are likely an economic attack on usa).

13 people found this helpful.
480

excuse me. after reading many posts and seeing youtube REPLACE FLEXIBLE BRAKE TUBING before (or with) calipers. the the model has known issue the inner lines deteriorate and cause a pinch while the outside "looks fine" (any pinch in any line would cause a one-way action effect) many who replace calipers first report the issue had been the lines, while few reported the calipers fixed the problem

35 people found this helpful.
550

My front brakes are dragging. After rebuilding my calipers, still dragging. I disconnect the brake line after depressing the brake pedal with no change, brakes still dragging with no fluid pressure. So, replaced the entire caliper & bracket with new one. This did not affect the drag, still dragging exactly the same. The rotors do not look warped, I closely examined them when wheel spins freely and there is no wobble at all. I get the wheel to spin freely by compressing pistons/pads with a large c-clamp just enough to allow the wheel to spin freely. It does not matter if the brake line is attached or not. Again, when brakes are dragging, I can remove the brake line with no affect. When I rebuilt my calipers(i.e. cleaned up the pistons and cylinders, installed new square orings) I can visually see the pistons return back when brakes are released, but I am convinced the square oring is not functioning properly. But I do not know how to solve it. After I bought the new calipers(I assumed were rebuilt) the piston returned the same amount as the rebuilt ones and pads are dragging exactly the same amount. I am a mechanical engineer, and I think there is a design flaw in the replacement square oring design. It does not flex enough. Charlie 404-558-0553, please call if you have a solution.

18 people found this helpful.
420

if your fluid becomes contaminated usually from someone putting power steering fluid in the master. the 2 fluids don't mix and react with any rubber in the system and makes it swell making it difficult if not impossible for the fluid to return. if this is the case all calipers, hoses and master cylinder should be replaced after cleaning out the old fluid. once all parts have been replaced the system should be bled and flushed out again.

9 people found this helpful.
550

Mark, I pump the brake, the disc is difficult to turn, then I opened the bleed screw and some fluid came out, but no change to the dragging. It has to be the square oring around the pistons, could the design be defective. I installed new brake line, caliper & bracket, and new pads. I can disconnect the brake line with no change, rotor still dragging, it has to be the piston caliper not returning enough. It does release some since I can turn the rotor, but not enough. I don't see how it can be anything other than the piston not returning far enough. There is no pressure behind it. System is clean with new fluid.

15 people found this helpful.
420

make sure the pads slide back and forth in the caliper brace. some pads were made a little to large and get hung up when retracting.

10 people found this helpful.
550

I found the problem. The caliper repair kits I bought at Advance Auto, the piston seal (square oring) are too big. They are aftermarket(not AC Delco). I remember I had to force them in the caliper bore groove and noticed they seemed too big in diameter. This is poor quality. I layed them on top of the original seals, and they are bigger. They were binding in the grooves and not allowing them to roll over and back which is its function. I installed the original seals(which I kept, although slightly damaged), and the brakes do not drag anymore. they work perfectly. Lesson learned, do not use after market caliper repair kit seals... The dust boot was fine(it fit perfectly). I will order AC Delco seals and see if they are sized right. You can also tell if they are sized right because my OEM seals fit snuggly around the piston with piston removed. The atfter market seals did not fit snuggly, there was a noticeable gap. I want you to know that before I discovered this, I installed one of Autozone's rebuilt calipers(I think it was their Duralast aftermarket) and it did not work either. They brake was dragging after driving 30 miles. So I think rebuilt calipers can have the wrong piston seal installed. I am 100% sure I am right. I will pull my calipers and rebuild with ACDELCO seals if they are the right size. I will let you know when I get them, they are on back order at my local parts store.

13 people found this helpful.
550

More info, I also tried a repair kit from O'Reilly and its seals were too big also. They were aftermarket just like Advance Auto. I can look to see what the brand was for both if you would like to know. They were not ACDelco. Call me if you are in doubt about this. 404-558-0553.

9 people found this helpful.
210

If all else fails, you might have to replace the control module on the anti-lock brake system, I'm having the same problem with my 2005 Z71 truck. Talked to several people about this and seems to be a problem with these modules.

21 people found this helpful.
90

found out that when I tightened the master cylinder to the booster that the front plate flexed in about a quarter of an inch. back the bolts off then ran them down by hand then another 1 to 2 turns with a wrench and everything worked ok. seems that when the plate flexed it applied pressure to the brakes

9 people found this helpful.
140

Has any one removed the 60amp fuse for the ABS under the hood to see if this changes the dragging issue? If I pump my breaks up and hold then start my truck my pedal goes to the floor. After removing the fuse try the same process again and when I start the truck the pedal only goes down slightly. Any thoughts on my next steps?

14 people found this helpful.
130

I had same issue. Don't know if this is a temp fix yet, but I removed the ABS module and started it up drove it back and forth a few time with no issues. Put the module back and brakes still working properly.

13 people found this helpful.
350

Pat8228, I was having the same problems as everyone else after having replaced everything but the booster, which I verified had no fluid in it and tried your solution and after removing the fuse and driving it a few miles with no lock ups I replaced the ABS fuse and all has been working great. I have replaced many brake systems over the years but this is the first time I had this problem. I did not have to replace the booster as I verified it had no fluid in it by removing the vacuum line and using a nylon pull tie as a dip stick and going all the way to the bottom with no fluid appearing. Hope this helps others.

17 people found this helpful.
60

pat8228 What do you mean, "removed the ABS module"?

6 people found this helpful.
350

I did not remove the module but pulled the fuse and then drove the truck several miles with no problems, reinstalled the fuse and from then to now, several weeks, no problem. You do not have to remove anything but the fuse in the engine compartment fuse panel. Thanks, David

13 people found this helpful.
145

ok, so i ain't a chevy mechanic but i am a master harley tech and the first thing ya'll should be trying to to lube the caliper pins like several others have mentioned, you'll notice when you remove the caliper bolts and have to rock the caliper to compress the piston to free it from the rotor, all that shit should move with resistance but move smoothly, as in the caliper has to slide on its mouting bolts and that piston has to move in and out(not much but it still has to be able to travel) so any rust, grime, lizard gizzards or anything packed up on the outside of the piston under the pad or in or around the caliper mounting pins (bolts with shoulder) can fuck up the brakes, even a little is shitty, if the pad doesnt release away from the rotor smoothly then heat builds up, things warp, things stick, and things seize......that is just what ya do on a pad/rotor r&r but cars may stay a little cleaner then motorcycles, bikes get stuck kinda often if theyre ridden by humans, they actually have brake caliper pin lube but it's lube for the people who must have like 78 different types of lubes in their garage

14 people found this helpful.
160

Hi everyone, i am reading all inputs above and want to add one more issue. '98 GMC Savana van RT FRT brake cailper drags. (only one cailper RT FRT). Not full lock up but wheel gets hot. Changed- cailper two times, both front flex lines, bleed brakes. NO antilock brake warning lights on at dash. Pulled all fuses (to remove power from hold soilenoids in control valve) still drags. I am now thinking the ABS module control valve for RT FRT wheel is stuck. Any input is appreciated.

16 people found this helpful.
260

HI, no expert, but with a ranch and very frugal ranchin lady, working on 4 diesel trucks, used auction buys, all running , solved, and preventative a must on each, ( i do most or work with my mechanic at ranch) I have the same issue, somewhat, worse after idleing in park, and then drive and brakes apply themselves to a stop, I WANTED TO UNDERSTANT THE WHOLE THING , and here is the answer to ANY scenario in brake locking up while driving with Silverados and power assist hydroboost: SEE LINK BELOW, READ then it has a section with breakdown of "if this happens" reason and answer - p.s. the one with this issue of mine, has not ever had brake fluid flush (my bad) and it has 150k miles, owned since new: http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/operation-diagnosis-and-repair-of-hydro-boost-power-assist- systems/ no need to guess on this, just go through the steps of how it works, then the condition of your truck, fluid changes , age common sense and on 98% of all mine and issue, we can solve by just learning the system, and then applying problem, CHEERS,,,, from Karen Ann at the ranch

26 people found this helpful.
210

Hi, After reading everyones posts I am amazed how many people have the same problem...I also am experiencing all the same front brakes locking up!! I own an Auto parts store and enjoy doing my own work. My son and I have built an 2005 Z71 from scratch 4wd lifted quite a nice job. We have had no problems until recent. He was complaining that it felt like he was pulling a house and his front rotors were discoloured. So I brought home new rotors calipers pads Hub assys and yes new flex hoses. Also did complete rear brake job. I figured caliper pins were beginning to stick so do it all. Abs wire on front hub was bad so replaced them. Anyway after bleeding the brakes Went for ride all seemed great. Drove for about 15 minutes and they began to lock up. I have exhausted any ideas I have. It's not a master cylinder or booster. I did try to unplug the ABS fuse but no difference. I give!! I am taking it into a garage tomorrow and said keep it until fixed. I will post the outcome tomorrow. Sy

21 people found this helpful.
130

I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado. Took it to a shop and had them replaced all of my brake lines. They did not clean out my brake fluid reservoir which had contaminated brake fluid in it full of rust and mold and it contaminated my whole brake system. All of my calipers we're stuck on and I had to replace all of my calipers and get my brake fluid flushed and it also messed up my abs module all from contaminated brake fluid.

11 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2004 Chevy Express 2500 and my rear passenger caliper locked up changed the caliper and it's been fine for a week now my front passenger caliper is not releasing all the way any ideas

3 people found this helpful.
60

answer is abs control modual look up symptoms of a abs moduel doing bad

6 people found this helpful.
50

My brakes on a 2009 GMC were locking up off and on from a complete stop and start up. I took it to the dealer and one of the mechanics suggested that I press the E brake as far as it will go and then depress them to see if that will do the trick since I have not had any work done but my tires changed. That took care of the problem. He said sometimes , the e brake does not reset after they have been pressed especially for a brake job. Hope this will help.

5 people found this helpful.
60

05 Silverado front brakes locking up Master cylinder and brake booster Remove cylinder and if on back of it it's jest fluid wet replace ot with booster. Pro Master cylinder it was jest fluid wet and booster had no fluid jest look like fluid sweet. Replace cylinder and Lack up again. Replace booster, problem solve.

6 people found this helpful.
120

Hey guys sounds Crazy. The metal clip on rubber brake hoses..... Pry them open so the house slides freely through it. Then once all hoses are free turn steering wheel all the way left pump them. Turn all the right pump them. Straighten the wheel pump them again. I think you'll appreciate it... 9 out of ten times the rust constricts the hose won't let the calipers release.

12 people found this helpful.
160

2005 Silverado 4x4, same thing, at highway speeds front brakes randomly will apply enough to make the truck feel like tires are out of balance. Rotors are gum metal blue! One day it will, one day it will not. Everything but the hard lines and ABS module replaced. Looking at the module now. Geesh!

8 people found this helpful.
40

Brakes need to be bled with a computer through a working abs module. Getting air out of system very difficult. Proportioning valve is part of abs pump. All air needs to be out , starting at the master cylinder. Good luck.

4 people found this helpful.
160

On my 2005 silverado I sent the ABS module to be rebuilt. Problem solved. This is after it replaced everything else to no avail. It would at random apply brakes causing a rapid vibration. Super hot rotors and drums. When I stared using a digital temp gun seeing all 4 getting hot, I went for the ABS module. Search out Module Master

2 people found this helpful.
30

Just try changing the rubber hoses going to brake calipers they collapse on the inside and won't let fluid back up to master cylinder to release the caliper

3 people found this helpful.
10

I got a 01 Chevy and all my brakes locked up. I've got new calipers,changed master cylnder and same problem, I not change booster yet. Any answer?

1 people found this helpful.
160

when they are not locked, pull the ABS fuse and see if it happenes again.

1 people found this helpful.
20

Same problem. Oddly I noticed the fluid in coming out of the rear bleeders was green. Everything replaced. Calipers, pads, hoses, master cylinder, and booster. Went to balled the back end after booster change and noticed green fluid. I’m guessing it’s contaminated and will try to flush the entire system with new fluid.

2 people found this helpful.
160

The OE wheel cylinders are brass, the green is the patina staining the fluid. So the green is isolated to the rear wheels of the system. It indicates it been a very long time or never bled.

3 people found this helpful.
20

I have a 2005 1/2 ton 2wd I got her new she started shakn so bad some times u cant keep her on the road I have spent 3.000 had everything from the a framed on up.an nothing fixes it.litereraly everything is replaced new.any feed bk

2 people found this helpful.
40

My trucks is going threw the same issues 00 Sierra 4.8 5speed 4x4 standard cab short bed 270,000 original miles on drivetrain only front passenger locks up intermittently and I just smoke the pads off gone threw 2 sets of ac Delco pads I’ve replaced calipers once there seals are smoked I have the abs fuse out because all my Sensors are rusted so abs engages around 15mph when I’m stopping and have no control so pulled the fuse seems like it the abs pump under driver-side needs to be replaced I have a tech two I’ve bled out the abs pump with new fluid mew stainless lines no help locks up intermittently gets worse if it’s sits for a couple days

4 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2001 Silverado 1500 4x4, replaced all pads, rotors, calipers, rubber lines, new fluid, pulled the ABS fuse, unplugged both the ABS module lines, the truck will roll free now after the brakes are released, BUT THE BRAKES STILL GET HOT, THE ALLOY RIMS STILL GET HOT!! even under normal driving conditions, I baby it like a grandpa, which I am. I Feel like GM has abandoned us CHEVY diehards to deal with these design problems.

1 people found this helpful.
160

I'm back and can finally report mine are really fixed. Took YEAR back and forth. Started with a low pedal. Bleed brakes including the Automated ABS bleed followed by a manual bleed, then repeated. Changed the master cyl with no help. Had my ABS circuit board checked out. No prob. Several times I believed I had this fixed only for it to return. Figured it was the brake booster and changed it. OE not available anymore. Have to get aftermarket re-man's. Swapped in an AutoZone that gave me Too Much pedal and would gradually have no play to speak of and bind the front brakes. Swapped the Booster again with an O'Rilleys Brake Best unit, now like original equipment. Great brakes now. in 205 GM did a good job on the brakes going to drum rears and larger rotors, calipers, master cylinder and a smaller booster because they were better. Now its like as new. The Defective booster started moaning like a squeaky haunted house when operated. Let it sit a few minutes with car off and they would release. Good luck

2 people found this helpful.

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