Brakes jamming up

[mgp04]

Hey everyone. My 2000 Sierra 1500 has been having an issue where It feels like the front brakes feel like they’re jamming up (not necessarily locking up). This is particularly noticeable under light pressure, not so much if I slam on them. I’ve put all new pads, rotors, and abs sensors on them, but I wanted to ask around here before I start throwing more parts at it. The only lead I have is that something may be wrong with both calipers, because the new pads had a lot of trouble going in. I just find it weird how both of them would go out at the same time. It’s probably as simple as that, I have solutions in mind, but I wanted to see if anyone else had this before and if so what was causing it.

 

[4silverado]

I recently had an issue with left front almost locking up. Wheel was extremely hot. I replaced the caliper thinking it was freezing but issue returned. Found out it was a bad brake line. Replaced both. Been running fine since.

 

[ORVietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

I am confused by this statement, "the new pads had a lot of trouble going in". Are you talking about the pads had trouble fitting in to the existing calipers or you had problems collapsing the caliper pistons for the new pads clearance for the rotors? If you had problems with both calipers, did you have the master cylinder cap off? Try to collapse with what kind of tool and how fast were you trying to collapse? When did collapse, did you push all the way back to the caliper housing facing? You may well have brake hose problems. Light pressure vs slamming the brakes. I wish I understood the phrase "jamming up" better.

 

[mgp04]

Sorry for the confusion, I wasn’t very clear. The issue was that the pads were fitting very poorly into the existing calipers. The pistons went back in no problem. I thought about it more and I believe the pads are getting stuck, which would explain why light braking causes the issue whereas hard braking puts enough force to get them to move. I still find it strange that both calipers have this issue at the same time, maybe I’m just unlucky!

 

[ORVietVet]

Wrong pads application. Did you compare to the old pads?

 

[mgp04]

Wrong pads application. Did you compare to the old pads?

They were the exact same. This is the second time I’ve done the brakes on this truck and they were the same the first time around too, and this issue has been happening since after that first time. I was just as confused then as I am now.

 

[99Sierra2500]

It sounds like wrong pads also, somebody could have put different calipers on.

 

[mgp04]

It sounds like wrong pads also, somebody could have put different calipers on.

I’d hope not, it could be that the previous owner put on the wrong pads or put them on incorrectly, damaged the caliper, and it didn’t cause any issues until I messed with it again. I might just end up doing the calipers.

 

[99Sierra2500]

I’d hope not, it could be that the previous owner put on the wrong pads or put them on incorrectly, damaged the caliper, and it didn’t cause any issues until I messed with it again. I might just end up doing the calipers.

I have had to undo things people have done a bunch of times, there is no figuring out people. Remember to grease the sliders.

 

[smither]

Every brake job I have done on my '04, I have had to file the slots on the brake pads to get them to move smoothly on the stainless steel clips that they ride on. Straight out of the box, it is almost like you have to hammer them on. I just file the slots on the pads until they are large enough to slide freely on the clips (clips being the stainless steel clips that fasten to the caliper). Doesn't matter what brand I buy.

 

[INW-Iron-Steel]

It sounds like wrong pads also, somebody could have put different calipers on.

Very likely considering the age of these trucks and how simple it is to bolt on bigger/better OEM parts.

I’d hope not, it could be that the previous owner put on the wrong pads or put them on incorrectly, damaged the caliper, and it didn’t cause any issues until I messed with it again. I might just end up doing the calipers.

OP, does your rig still have 16" wheels? If so, that limits how many other calipers might have been 'swapped' on. Also make sure to use all new hardware for the pads.

 

[99Sierra2500]

Very likely considering the age of these trucks and how simple it is to bolt on bigger/better OEM parts.

It is great that everything bolts up, and terrible that everything bolts up.

 

[mgp04]

Every brake job I have done on my '04, I have had to file the slots on the brake pads to get them to move smoothly on the stainless steel clips that they ride on. Straight out of the box, it is almost like you have to hammer them on. I just file the slots on the pads until they are large enough to slide freely on the clips (clips being the stainless steel clips that fasten to the caliper). Doesn't matter what brand I buy.

I thought about doing this, I’ll definitely give it a try now. Thanks man!

 

[mgp04]

Very likely considering the age of these trucks and how simple it is to bolt on bigger/better OEM parts.

OP, does your rig still have 16" wheels? If so, that limits how many other calipers might have been 'swapped' on. Also make sure to use all new hardware for the pads.

Yes, they’re 16s. I do believe they’re the original calipers, plus there’s only been two owners before me, neither of which drove it much. Thanks for the advice man

 

[AuroraGirl]

Yes, they’re 16s. I do believe they’re the original calipers, plus there’s only been two owners before me, neither of which drove it much. Thanks for the advice man

The brackets. The gmt900 used the same design front brakes but the caliper brackets are different and use different clips/pads, to use the wrong mix of parts WILL cause your issue

Also if your bracket is rusty where the clip goes it WILL have issues