Brake Master Cylinder Problems of Chevrolet Silverado - part 1

Same issue as current recall on 1500 series trucks but not on the 2500 series (which mine is). Pedal now very spongy, have to pump them to get adequate braking. This occurs at highway speeds and local driving. Panic stops require engaging the parking brake to prevent a crash. Have had it in twice for service but all they are trying to do is reprogram. There are other issues with the vacumn pump, hydroboost, master cylinder which they are apparently unwilling to address. Why the 2500 and 3500 trucks were not included in the recall is the question of the day. I am not driving the truck any more than necessary as it is unsafe. This complaint is a matter of record of the issue.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

Driving on 4 lane business road coming to a red light pushed on brakes pedal went to floor and no brakes had to swerve into other lane to keep from hitting car in front of me ran red light downshifted into low gear and began rubbing tires on curb until I came to a stop. Checked brake fluid level was empty looked under truck and brake line had rusted through under drivers door. Walked 2 blocks to parts store and brought brake fluid filled master cylinder pumped brakes still had no brakes,I could not understand how one broken line left me with no brakes, I thought they were supposed two systems front and rear ? I have several vintage trucks from 67-72 era all still have original brake lines, I think gm skimped on materials and left us with a safety issue.

See all problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

After checking the underside of my 04 Silverado 1500 4x4 for a fuel filter( which it doesn't have) I noticed the brake lines to be severly corroaded. Most of the worst areas were in the bends around the frame from the master cylinder and along the frame.

See all problems of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

Driving a well maintained two wheel drive 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 crew cab pickup at 30 mph on a suburban roadway. I applied hard braking and pedal went to floor. I was able to shift automatic transmission to low 1 and apply e-brake to stop before crash. Examination of steel brake lines from master cylinder to the abs module under the drivers floor showed excessive corrosion as reason for failure. The lines that were specifically affected travel over driver side frame rail and are out of sight for routine visual inspection. This vehicle operated in the "salt belt" (new england) and road spray from the left front tire directly impacts this area. After replacing all steel lines with stainless lines (over $500. 00 in parts & labor) the brake system worked as designed.

I depressed brake pedal to shift the truck from park, and the brake pedal went to the floor! pumping the brakes did no good. I looked underneath, and brake fluid was running down from under the driver's seat area. Upon closer inspection, one of the brake lines coming out of the abs modules had sprung a leak at the point where it bends over the top of the frame rail. If this had occurred while driving, an accident is likely, as there was no brake, despite the dual master cylinder! all of the brake lines are severely corroded, especially where the oem factory formed bends are. The brake lines are actually at the point of crumbling in places. To counter any claims about severe corrosion environment causing the problem, contrast the brake lines to the fuel lines on this vehicle which have no to very minimal corrosion. I also own another 2003 gm vehicle with far more miles, and it also has very little brake line corrosion. I have owned both these vehicles from new, and the Silverado has less miles, and less winter salt exposure than the other vehicle. I have also owned other vehicles for many more years and miles than this Silverado, and have never experienced anything like the horrible crumbling of this obviously defective brake line material used on the Silverado. Please NHTSA, take some action on this obviously serious safety situation caused by defective manufacturer materials!.

See all problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

Transferring some materials from neighbors house to ours, dirt road / driveway. Got to our house, brake pedal went to the floor. Refilled master cylinder, parked the truck. Checked fluid later, entire master cylinder was empty as truck was parked. Brake lines seem to be rotted out.

See all problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

Saw wet spot under driver's side of truck, just behind engine compartment. Knew it wasn't good as the ac is on the other side. Figured I'd check it later. Started truck and as soon as I put my foot on the brake pedal, I could feel something was wrong. Stopped truck, popped hood and checked brake fluid level in master cylinder. Saw it was low. Added a pint of fluid and looked under the truck. Saw it leaking from a rusted out brake line near the abs module. All lines are rusted and in need of replacement.

See all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

While moving forward in line at a drive through my brake pedal suddenly when straight to the floor and would barely stop my truck. By the time I returned home I had to brake with the emergency brake. I then had it towed to 4 different mechanics who would not fix my brakes for under $4000 dollars due to liability reasons. Apparently the "stainless steel" hard lines from the master cylinder had all rusted out completely. If I had been on the road far away from home there could have been a serious accident.

The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 28 mph and approaching a red light, the vehicle would not stop or slow down when applying the brakes. The contact stated that the vehicle drove through a busy intersection nearly crashing into two oncoming vehicles. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by shifting into park. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the brake lines under were corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 107,000. Updated 2/27/cn the consumer stated the main front and back brake system lines coming from the master cylinder were corroded and had ruptured. The consumer indicated that the car had been garage kept and was in great condition. The vehicle was repaired. The consumer saved all removed lines for investigation.

See all problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

Started truck. Put foot on brake pedal. Felt usual resistance at brake pedal. Put truck in drive. Brake pedal went to floor. Brakes had a total failure. Truck rolled across street while I was shifting truck to neutral and trying to stop. Steel brake pipes were not leaking before I started the truck. Steel brake pipes have at least 2 leaks in the pipes now. 1 leak is in the rear brake supply (steel) pipe between the master cylinder and the abs module. The other leak is in a steel brake pipe near the abs module. Brakes worked fine, with no leaks, when I had driven the truck a few days before. Failure was sudden and total. I had no brakes as soon as the failure occurred.

Due to a sudden bursting of the brake lines, 3 of the 5 lines in the cluster below the drivers door, the master cylinder emptied out causing the truck to have no brakes. This happened when my daughter and her three children were driving in a busy washington, DC suburb. Thank god no one was hurt! very dangerous! after inspection, the brake lines were corroded in several locations inside the plastic retainer clips that hold them to the frame.

I had a soft brake pedal on my 2005 Silverado. I thought I had a bad master cylinder. I work at an Audi dealership and I was bringing the vehicle to work to check it out. As I approached the driveway to work, the brake pedal went to the floor. I used the emergency brake to slow down and pull into,the driveway. We inspected the vehicle at work and found that a steel brake line under the drivers side that runs along the frame rail had a hole in it due to rust. I find this completely unacceptable that a steel brake line rust through. Chevrolet used a poor material on their brake lines. I have been in the automotive business for 31 years in connecticut ( yes, salt is used on the roads ) and have worked for Ford, Volvo, hummer and Audi. I have never seen a brake line rust through. Chevrolet needs to fix this issue at their expense and not the consumers. The dealership wants $1500. 00 to repair using the same brake lines. I have purchased stainless steel lines and will perform the repairs at my shop .

See all problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

Trying to stop. Brake pedal went to the floor. Vehicle did not slow down. Able to avoid accident because no vehicle was in front of me. Pulled to side of road and had vehicle towed. Terrible safety hazzard and $1000 repair bill for new brake lines and master cylinder. All lines were brittle and corruded.

Customer went to apply brakes coming down a steep hill. Brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Vehicle was wreckered to the repair shop the next day. Upon inspection, all brake lines from the master cylinder to the wheels were rusted and corroded. The place where the leak happened was right at the abs pump. Both lines for the front and rear braking systems burst before the abs pump causing a complete loss of brakes. I have worked on many Chevroletss of this model and all seem to have the same problem. This particular one has always been a north carolina vehicle. Has never been up north.

Had to replace brake lines all the way to master cylinder and fuel lines from extensive corrosion also throughout the frame and mounting brackets for shocks and leaf springs. Abnormal rust for any vehicle that was washed and taken care of accordingly.

I was driving along the interstate and traffic abruptly stopped in front of me. When pressed on the brake pedal, I slowed down a little, but then the pedal went to the floor, and I rear-ended the car in front of me. After the police report was filed, I got it to a chevy dealer and they said that one of the steel brake lines from the master cylinder to the front passenger side was rusted and had burst, spilling all of the brake fluid. The wreck damaged the front passenger side bumper, and broke the grille and the headlight support bracket.

While waiting in line at hardees drive thru,the brake pedal went all the wall to the floor. Upon inspecting the truck I found all of the brake lines underneath had rusted and one from the master cylinder had rusted all the way thru. I replaced this line with a carbon coated steel that cost only $8. 99. However I do feel pretty fortunate because we were headed upon a mountain going deer hunting. I really don't want to think about what could have happened if we were comin off "high knob" and this line had blown. I also think gm is very lucky that someone hasn't gotten seriousy hurt or killed yet but I think it is only a matter of time unless they recall these vehicles and replace all the brake lines with a better grade of steel or a coated steel to protect them from corrosion. Also I read some of gm response to this issue and I would like to reply to them that once a line is blown being front or back the pedal goes to the floor and once the fluid is gone you have nothing but the park brake, if you can actually think about it during all the panic of pumpin the brake pedal trying to get a vehicle to stop. This really is a dangerous problem and these vehicles need to be recalled and all the brake lines replaced.

See all problems of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

Truck was pulling partially loaded trailer entered curve in road going downhill & when brakes were applied pedal went to floor with obviously no rear breaks,truck nosedived when applied at bottom of pedal, truck & trailer started to jacknife had to get off brakes and steer my way out of trouble & apply only lightly until entering straight section of road. This made for an extreamly intense ride down the hill. Any hairpin turns or stopped traffic in front would have resulted in a serious accident. Stopped & pulled off road to see what had happened and brake fluid was running all over the bottom of the drivers side frame rail. Closer inspection reveals obvious burst brake line but withour removing inner fender or wiring harness I can not actually see the rupture and it may be concealed by the clips attaching the line to the frame. Oddly the lines have some rust but nothing which looks like it is so severe to have allowed a rupture. The attaching hardware may be allowing some movement in the lines allowing additional rust to take hold. I bought this truck new in 2003 in October I think and one thing about it that was different than the two previous new chevy trucks I bought was the rear brakes never seemed to apply as hard as they should and nothing even close as the 2000 tahoe or the 1994 Silverado. Since the brake lines seem to burst in front of the abs system it could be that the abs system is partially blocking the flow creating a higher than normal line pressure between the master cylinder and the abs system.

Attempted to stop at stop sign and bake line between master cylinder and prop valve ruptured instantly draining brake fluid resulting in no braking. Stopped vehicle with parking brake. Upon inspection, determined that brake line had rusted out as a result of being mounted on top of frame rail where dirt, salt and moisture collect from front wheel spray.

Complete and total brake failure, without warning, from burst brake lines caused by rust in the lines from master cylinder to the junction box under driver's seat. I had this problem previously in the brake line from junction box to passenger front wheel two years ago. The previous rupture was in the same area, but not the same spot as this failure. I have kept visual checks for extensive rust on the other lines since then. However this new failure was where the line went through the cab to the frame, out of clear sight and behind inner fender liner. I had backed vehicle and a trailer down boat ramp to recover ski boat. Vehicle stopped normally at water edge and boat was loaded. Upon applying brakes to take vehicle from park to drive, brake pedal went completely to floorboard. I drove vehicle and boat up the ramp slowly into parking lot where I attempted to stop on flat ground. Vehicle rolled to a stop with brake pedal completely on floor. In order to get home, I removed fender liner and made emergency repairs with store bought brake lines and splice connectors. Only the line from the firewall side of the master cylinder originally failed, however in attempting to remove that broken line, the front line also had extensive rust and also started leaking. The break in the second line was within an inch of the other break. It appears the driver's side front wheel throws water, salt and debris on all lines where they run down frame through body cavity and along frame rails. Most extensive rust is located in plastic clips that stabilize brake lines to the frame. Brake lines are vital safety features, not wear items and should not fail for the life of the vehicle, in my opinion.

I came to a stop in my drive way when my brake pedal went completely to the floor. I knew right away what had happened. I blew my main brake line that exits the master cylinder. I inspected the brake lines and realized they were all corroded very badly. I have never had brake lines corrode on me so badly in such a short period of time. The vehicle is only a 2004 Silverado,it is not that old in my opinion. I have had several vehicles,and have never had a brake line rust the way my Silverado has. I am very fortunate that the vehicle was not at a high rate of speed when this occured,I could of seriously hurt myself or someone else on the road,or even killed someone due to this. For what it is worth,it seems that 99-06 chevy Silverados have a lot of complaints in regards to rusted through and complete failure of the brake lines. Sincerely, scott mullen.

After stopping hard due to traffic, the brakes lost almost all pressure. Stopping distance increased greatly while pedal went to the floor without much resistance. Upon returning home, albeit slowly, it was discovered that there was a small leak just after the master cylinder in the steel brake lines where they enter a plastic retaining clip. All of the surrounding steel lines have corrosion on them as well.

Started truck, brake pedal went to floor. Brake fluid under truck. Brake lines rotted out under drivers door between master cylinder and abs box. Had to use parking brake to stop vehicle. Luckily my children were not playing in the driveway, or that I was not on the highway. Huge safety issue, and from hundreds of complaints on internet this is a design flaw, not a fluke, or environmental issue. I had inspected at dealer a year ago and they said lines were fine. This was after spending $2000 to replace other rusted brake components. Brakes had been replaced at 20,000 miles also. Truck has been used on highway miles mostly, and has never plowed, or towed, or been used near water.

The brake lines failed on my Silverado and I completely lost braking. With a dual master cylinder system this is usually not possible. On these trucks the lines are spring covered plain steel lines that are packed tight together next to the frame before they enter the antilock brake controller, which is under the floor on the drivers side of the truck. The way the lines are constructed and routed leads to contaminates being trapped in the area around the lines causing them to prematurely rust out. The fact that both the front and rear lines and routed together to the middle of the vehicle eliminates the safety benifits of the dual master cylinder / front and rear systems that provided an additonal safety factor on older vehicles. In my case the front and rear lines failed at the same point and at the same time. Additionally on inspecting my truck the hardware that holds the emergency brake pads in place had also rusted away and caused the emergency brake lining to set askew in the rotor causing it to get worn down. In an emergency situation you may not be able to count on the emergency brake to operate as well. All in all a really poor designed system that should be recalled and fixed before lives are lost.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving 25 mph while pulling a trailer, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle finally stopped after depressing the brake pedal several times. The contact also stated that the service brake controller warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred several times. The failure recurred every year and was repaired. On 2/3/16, the failure occurred again. It was diagnosed that the brake pedal switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 8,880.

See all problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact was driving 5 mph and entering a garage when the brakes were applied but the vehicle did not respond. The failure recurred without warning. The contact stated that the brake lines were corroded with rust. The contact owned a repair shop and replaced the front and rear brake lines that led to the proportioning valves from the master cylinder. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The current mileage was 81,273. The failure mileage was 67,000. Updated 09/05/lj.

I was exiting freeway and applied brakes to slow down. Pedal went to floor. Luckily I got slowed enoughtostop. Called dealer and had vehicle towed. They replaced two brake lines from master cylinder prop. Valve tobrake pressure mod. Valve. Bad design on this vehichle. Replacement parts were udated without this design. I ask about this and was informed that they did away with the original design. 30,000 dollars rolling down the road looking for an accident. They weren't interested in my safety or correcting the problem at there cost, but were glad to relieve me of 536. 00. Thank you.

Brake line rusted into on left rear wheel was repaired, every since this happened brake pedal is very spongy stopping power is not what it used to be or should be. I have also replaced front calipers,rotors,pads,master cylinder,powerbrake booster,rear drums, shoes,cylinders,emergency brake cable . Cannot get the air out of brake system very annoying situation and dangerous because I cannot stop truck very quickly due to spongy brakes.

See all problems of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 🔎.

I own a 2000 chevy Silverado 4x4. I have had a problem with the brakes for about two years. The anti-lock brake computer does not function properly all the time. I can loose the brakes at any time. I have talked to a few other owners of the same style truck and they have had similar problems. I have had the master cylinder replaced, new brakes installed, and the most recent recall to clean the brake cylinder(?) cleaned by a chevy dealer completed. The problem still existed. It may have been 2-3 weeks in-between failures. What happens is the brake pedal goes to the floor with minimum stopping power. That's exactly what happened this last time but unfortunately this time I didn't have enough road to stop on and ran into a tree. Damages, according to the body shop, are going to be between $3000-$4000 dollars. The truck is in the repair shop at this time and I will have the anti-lock brake computer replaced. I know for a fact this is the cause of my accident. I was hoping for a recall from Chevrolet to avoid the expensive repair. I will save the old unit along with all the repair bills and future increases in my insurance premiums and hope that somewhere in the future the truck does get a recall. I will then in turn hold Chevrolet responsible for all bills incurred.

2005 chevy c1500 half ton pickup t was placed in storage for about a month. This vehicle was never used and had only 13 miles on the speedometer when recieved from the dealer. This was a company vehicle, and when out of storage it was discovered there was no brake fluid. The master cyclinder was completely dry. Took to a dealer and dealer could not find any leaks. Essentially ,they could not find the cause.

1. I observered on 3 occassions intermittent low speed braking problems. I took the vehicle to the dealer on 23may05 and they found nothing wrong. 2. While parked and idling the vehicle on 11jun05, there was a loud bang noise from under the hood. A part of the braking sytem from under the hood looks like it seperated under pressure from the rest of the master cylinder. This resulted in loss off most brake fluid. 3. Vehicle was towed to shop, but repairs will not commence till 13jun05.

2004 chevy Silverado LS ext. Cab 1500 4x4. Brake pedal going to floor board when applying brakes. Must pump brake pedal to be able to stop. Has happened 12 to 15 times since I took delivery 12/20/03. Have taken to dealer 2 times and of course did not show up when they test drove it. Service manager said not to pump the brake pedal because of the antilock brakes, they are suppose to act and stop the truck. Told service manager truck is still rolling with pedal to the floor and if you don't pump them you will not stop and probably be involved in accident. I did not feel any antilock action, pulsations. Also have seen same problems and complaints on the internet with chevy and GMC pickups. Seems to actup more on cold and damp days. Contacted brian landin at customer relations in detroit. He said don't beleave anything you see on the internet. We had 3way conversation with service manager at dealership and brian pretty much agreed with his service manager. [if it ain't broke , don't fix it] I tow a 21ft. Boat with surge brakes and must have good brakes on the tow vehicle or you don't stop. He told me to stop being so paranoid and to contact my service manager if I have further problems. I told him that if I have an accident, my lawyer will be in contact with him. It was left at that point. I see that chevy and GMC are calling back 1999 to 2002 pickups and SUV's for brake problems. Could this be inherited problem with all there trucks , seeing that they completely revamped their brake system for the 2005 year. If you have any answers to this problem or fixes, please contact me. Seems to me that there is some problem with the master cylinder? thankyou, roland torok milage is 17,400.

Rear brakes; hanging up, the vehicle did not seem to want to mone from a stopped position. Three weeks later the service brake system light came on. The brake master cylinder was removed and replaced.

Consumer noticed that fluid was leaking from the driver's side wheel. While applying the brakes the pedal had slight hesitation. Then, the vehicle stopped, and a noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer drove vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the master cylinder needed to be replaced.

While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. A loud noise was heard coming from driver's side wheel. Consumer drove the vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined hydraulic booster system needed to be replaced due to leakage.